Olympic champion Mack Horton to tackle Victoria’s Pier to Pub swim

KING and commander of the pool, Olympian Mack Horton now plans to conquer the open water in one of Australia’s most prestigious events right here in Victoria.

Olympic Gold Medalist Mack Horton will be competing in the upcoming Pier to Pub at Lorne. Picture: Jason Edwards

• Mack Horton has mole cut after a fan alerted Swimming Australia

KING and commander of the pool, Olympian Mack Horton now plans to conquer the open water.

The Victorian swim sensation will be among the eager throng ready to dive into next month’s Lorne Pier to Pub.

Olympic Gold Medalist Mack Horton will be competing in the upcoming Pier to Pub at Lorne. Picture: Jason Edwards

The Rio 400m freestyle gold medallist said he was intent on claiming the crown for what has become one of Australia’s most prestigious open water events. He was last pipped at the post by defending champion Sam Sheppard.

‘’I did it two years ago and despite leading all the way, I came second to Sam after he caught a good wave in,’’ Horton said. ‘’It’s a bit of fun but also something I would really love to win. I want to see my name up there.’’

He said the swell would be the greatest challenge for the 1200m ocean classic. ‘’I have a stroke more suited to the pool so it’s always difficult with the tides and the swell but I think any competitive swimmer wants a crack at this title. Everybody knows about this race.’’

Former swim stars Kieran Perkins, Daniel Kowalski, Michael Klim are among previous competitors.

The Speedo ambassador has returned to training after an extended break following his success in Rio.

And the 20-year-old has vowed to make sure he protects himself from the sun after a fan spotted a mole on his chest that had changed.

‘’It wasn’t anything dangerous but it could have been and it has made me paranoid,’’ he said. ‘’I have a few moles on my body so now I’m super cautious.’’

Now in its 37th year, the GMHBA Pier to Pub will be held on January 7.