Cameron McEvoy sacrifices chance at Olympic immortality to chase relay redemption

CAMERON McEvoy says his decision to withdraw from the 200m freestyle in Rio is in the best interests of the relay teams and his own pursuit gold medal pursuit.

Cameron McEvoy has dropped the 200m freestyle to focus on the relay.

CAMERON McEvoy says his decision to withdraw from the 200m freestyle at the Olympic Games is in the best interests of the Australian relay teams and his own pursuit of an individual gold medal.

Accepting that “I am only human”, McEvoy said he would step aside so he could be fresher for his main events such as the 100m freestyle and Australia’s relays.

The 22-year-old has made the tough decision to reduce his Rio program, finally confirming months of lingering doubts that he’d attack a six-event schedule that gave him an opportunity to create Australian Olympic history.

By pulling out of the 200m freestyle, to be replaced by David McKeon, McEvoy will now be fresh for the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay on day two, as both events were to be held in the same session and he would’ve been forced to back up from a semi-final of the 200m to a possible 4x100m final.

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Cameron McEvoy has dropped the 200m freestyle to focus on the relay.

McEvoy still has one such tough night, with the 100m freestyle semi-final before the 4x200m freestyle relay final on day four, but taking out three 200m individual races should reduce his fatigue levels enough to be at his best in all five events.

The discussion over which event to withdraw from has been ongoing since the Olympic trials last April, with McEvoy and his coach Richard Scarce talking regularly with head coach Jacco Verhaeren before making a final call.

“It’s been a decision that Richard (Scarce) and I have spent a lot of time thinking about in fact I believe it was in Rich’s train of thought even before the trials,” McEvoy said.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to make, especially seeing I have been doing the 200m freestyle internationally for so long and it has been one of my favourite and main events for my entire swimming career.

“But we have had to take a step back and look at the bigger picture of the entire week and remember that I am only human and that I do have my limitations.”.

Brisbane swimmer McKeon was confirmed as McEvoy’s replacement in the 200m freestyle, giving him the chance to fully emulate his father Ron McKeon who raced an identical program at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984.

“My father Ron actually swam the same three events the 200, the 400 and the 4x200m freestyle relays in ’84 so that is very special indeed,” said David.

David McKeon will replace Cameron McEvoy in the 200m freestyle.

“I know how hard it would have been for Cam to give this event up, I know what it means to him and he would not have taken this decision lightly.

“I swam the 400 and the 4x200m in London so to add another event for Rio is pretty cool - I’ll be ready for it.

“Training has been going great and we have just come off a camp in Townsville and we are counting down the days to leaving for Auburn and the warmer weather on Thursday.

“And I know Cam will be pumped for the relay - we did well at the world championships in Kazan last year and we’ll be looking to improve on that in Rio – I think we are a really strong chance.”

Originally published as Cameron McEvoy sacrifices chance at Olympic immortality to chase relay redemption