Bronte Campbell sets her sights on Paris Olympics following remarkable 100m freestyle display

Aussie swimming sensation Bronte Campbell’s journey toward the Paris 2024 Olympics remains firmly on track after the 29-year-old triumphantly reclaimed her spot on the winner’s podium at the Australian Short Course Championships on Thursday, September 14.

At the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Campbell dominated the 100m freestyle, securing victory with a remarkable time of 52.39 seconds. Sydney Brown secured second place with a time of 54.17 seconds, closely followed by Sarah Locke in third place with a time of 54.98 seconds.

“If I think about the road ahead, and this whole year to go, it becomes quite overwhelming so I just kind of take it one session at a time,” Campbell said following the race.

“I’m so proud to be here and see this next generation come through. I’m just enjoying being back in this pool where I’ve had so many great memories. As a little kid it was never about winning Olympic gold, it was about wearing the green and gold.

“And the thought of going to four Games is way bigger than I could have ever dreamt.”

Cody Simpson also celebrated a remarkable breakthrough as he clinched his maiden national title at the Australian Short Course Championships, dominating the 100m freestyle with an impressive time of 47.85 seconds, while Tomas Kapocius trailed closely in second place (47.94), followed by Joel Ivory in a respectable third (48.16).

In other riveting events, Kayla Hardy, renowned for her prowess in individual medley and the defending champion, effortlessly secured her victory in the 400 IM with a commanding time of 4:35.64. Notably, she shares the guidance of coach Shannon Rollason with Campbell. Lucy Dring secured second place with a time of 4:39.06, while Emily White captured a well-deserved third place with a time of 4:43.97.

Meanwhile, the newly crowned world record holder, Jack Ireland, continued his triumphant run by adding the multi-class 50m freestyle title to his collection, while the versatile Thomas Hauck extended his dominance, adding the 200m backstroke title to his previously earned 100m backstroke accolade.

In the women’s 200m backstroke, a spectacular finish by Abbey Webb, who touched the wall in 2:07.61, narrowly outpaced Adriana Fydler (2:07.80), the daughter of Olympic gold medallist Chris Fydler, while Bella Grant secured a commendable third place with a time of 2:08.17.