Swimmer Kyle Chalmers on why we need the 2021 Tokyo Olympics

Reigning Olympic swimming champion Kyle Chalmers has a message for those who believe this year’s Games should be cancelled.

You were the underdog teen sensation, storming to a come-from-behind victory when you won gold in the 100m freestyle at the 2016 Rio Olympics. How has life changed since then?

Going into the Rio [Games], I was still at school and spending a lot of time with mates. Swimming was just a fun thing to do on the side. Now swimming is my job and I’m lucky that I love my job. My mindset is exactly the same but there’s more external pressure and I have to make sure I stay relaxed.

Has Olympic swim legend Ian Thorpe played an important role in your development as a swimmer?

Yes, Thorpie has been a mentor since just before Rio. I’ve been so lucky to work with him over the years; he’s been a great shoulder to lean on. We talk a lot about pressure but also how to deal with success at such a young age.

I mean, having the greatest swimmer Australia has ever produced in my camp has been awesome. And with my shoulder surgery [last November], he’s been great to chat to because he’s had a number of shoulder surgeries.

“The world needs this Olympic Games more than ever.” (Picture: Matt Turner)

Given your shoulder problems, was the postponement of the Games a blessing in disguise?

I wouldn’t have been able to compete in 2020. Last year I did minimal swimming because my shoulder was so bad but now I’ve been able to get on top of it, so I’m probably one of the very few who’s quite grateful for the extra year.

One of your passions is collecting and breeding reptiles. Who’s looking after your snakes while you’re in Tokyo?

Mum does a fair bit, and my brother and mates in Adelaide help out. It’s the most stressful thing about being away for such a long period of time. My collection is quite extensive; at the start of last year, I had close to 500 reptiles as breeding season was good for me [and] produced close to 300. I’m such a proud dad!

But because of the Games I only have about 20 in the reptile room now – any more was too much to ask of Mum. She isn’t so keen on the feeding and cleaning of pythons. They go into hibernation at this time of year, so they’re all asleep at the moment and will wake up when I get home.

“I’m so grateful to be there, given that I’d have missed out if not for the postponement.” (Picture: Supplied)

Speaking of coming home, will you head back after the Games or stay overseas to concentrate on the International Swimming League (ISL), the team-based competition which returns for its third season later this year, and for which you’re on the London Roar team?

I don’t know. There’s the option to either come home and spend two weeks in quarantine or remain to get ready for the ISL and stay overseas for the rest of the year. If I do come back, I’ll only be back for about a week after quarantine. I don’t know if it’s worth it. I’m captain of the London Roar, so when the Games finish, that’s where my heart and obligations will be.

We thought your heart belonged to the Port Adelaide Football Club, for which your dad, Brett Chalmers, played?

[Laughs] It definitely does. I’m an ambassador and a huge fan. Geelong Football Club contacted me last year about playing footy for them and Dad told Port about the call – and they came knocking on the door as well.

Would you ever consider AFL seriously?

I love my swimming at the moment but I’m also that person who doesn’t want to live life with too many regrets. There may be a point in the future when I go and check out other opportunities, but right now there are plenty of kilometres left in the pool and a few more crowns to win.

I look at what Cody Simpson has done [after 10 years away from the sport while he pursued a music career, the successful singer returned to swimming last year and qualified for the finals of the 100m butterfly event at the Olympic trials in Adelaide last month, however, he didn’t make the team] and it’s just inspiring. He has a real shot of making the team eventually.

I’m right in his corner. But I don’t think there’s ever been a swimmer who’s transitioned to the AFL. It would be a cool chapter in the story.

Kyle Chalmers features in this Sunday’s Stellar.

What will give you the edge when you take the blocks in Tokyo?

I think I have more wisdom this time around and I have my routine down pat. I wake up, start the day with some YoPro yoghurt and muesli, and then stick to my training program. I’m not one for superstitions. I’m also so grateful to be there, given that I’d have missed out if not for the postponement.

These are unprecedented times for the Olympics and there are some who aren’t happy it’s going ahead. What do you say to the naysayers?

Look, I’m so excited about these Games. There’s been so much doubt and negativity, particularly in the past six months as the Games got closer, but the world needs this Olympic Games more than ever. The Olympics are about human endeavour; COVID hasn’t changed that.

It’s the big celebration we need right now. And for athletes, whatever level you compete at, I hope the Games provide inspiration. When COVID forced a break for all of us, I struggled without the routine. It was such a relief to get back in the pool and we all can’t wait to race again.