I'm the underdog, says Australian swim great Chalmers

Steve Larkin
AAP
Australian great Kyle Chalmers has his sights set on another landmark at the world championships. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)
Australian great Kyle Chalmers has his sights set on another landmark at the world championships. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

Kyle Chalmers is embracing underdog status as he bids for another slice of swimming history at the world championships.

Chalmers is aiming to become a dual 100m freestyle world champion, joining James Magnussen (2011, 2013) as Australian men to achieve the feat.

“I’m the major underdog,” said Chalmers ahead of Thursday night’s final in Singapore.

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“I’m really enjoying being able to just fly under the radar.

“This is my fifth world championships and 10th year on the senior team and I have been able to achieve everything that freestyle has to offer.

“So it’s honestly about actually having fun and just enjoying being in there.”

Chalmers has already won gold at the worlds in Singapore when anchoring Australia’s 4x100m freestyle relay team on Sunday’s opening night.

The Dolphins remain top of the medal tally with four gold medals, one silver and three bronze. The illness-hit United States (three gold) are next-best.

Mollie O’Callaghan added gold to Australia’s collection on Wednesday night with victory in the women’s 200m freestyle.

O’Callaghan, a five-time Olympic gold medallist, weathered a let-down after last year’s Paris Games and took an extended break to find her identity outside of the pool.

On return, a dislocated knee hampered preparations for selection trials but the 21-year-old has emerged to rediscover a love for her sport.

“A positive environment definitely makes a world of difference,” O’Callaghan said.

“It’s nice to come to a pool and feel at home; to know that everyone supports you no matter what.

“The Australian team in general is just so connected, and we all treat each other like a family, which makes it such an enjoyable ride.”

O’Callaghan returns to action on Thursday with 100m freestyle heats and semi-finals also featuring teammate Meg Harris.

And O’Callaghan also looms as the trump card on Australia’s women’s 4x200m freestyle team, who carry favouritism into their Thursday night final.

Originally published on AAP

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