Australian swimmer Cam McEvoy has made headlines by equalling his unofficial world best time in the 25-metre sprint at the Australian Short Course Championships, held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. McEvoy completed the exhilarating race in just 9.36 seconds, a performance that has reignited discussions about the event’s potential inclusion as an official championship category.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd, including fellow Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus, McEvoy’s electrifying display captivated fans and showcased his passion for the sport. This unofficial record matches the time he set earlier in July 2023 before winning his second world title in the 50m freestyle at the World Championships in Singapore.
Advocating for Change in Competitive Swimming
Following his impressive performance, McEvoy expressed strong support for the inclusion of the 25m event in future competitions. He compared the potential excitement of the 25m race to the popular Twenty20 format in cricket, referring to it as a “Big Bash” of swimming. “I would love World Aquatics to recognize the 25m and times across the world, and for a 25m world record to be ratified,” he stated. “It could be part of World Cups, and as you can see from the buzz tonight, it brings a lot of excitement.”
McEvoy highlighted the direct correlation between the 25m sprint and the 50m freestyle, suggesting that introducing the shorter race could inspire a new generation of swimmers and boost interest in the sport. “I just want speed. And I think the crowd loves to see speed,” he noted. His enthusiasm was palpable as he described the atmosphere, saying, “I haven’t seen that much buzz around a competition or an event in swimming in a very long time.”
Record-Breaking Night and Future Prospects
In addition to his record-tying swim, McEvoy’s performance featured him as the only competitor to break the 10-second barrier during the event. Callum Halloran-Lavelle finished in second place with a time of 10.22 seconds, while Samuel Herraman secured third with 10.35 seconds.
Reflecting on the experience, McEvoy admitted to feeling like “a six-year-old boy swimming in his first meet.” He described the race, explaining, “You dive, four kicks, 11 strokes, close your eyes, and hit the wall.” His joy and enthusiasm for the event were evident and resonated with the audience, who cheered him on throughout the race.
The response from the crowd has not gone unnoticed, with Rob Woodhouse, the CEO of Swimming Australia, indicating that the 25m sprint is likely to be included in future swimming calendars. As the sport evolves, McEvoy’s vision for a more engaging and dynamic swimming experience could soon become a reality.
