Paris 2024: Why 28 July could become such a special day in Australian sport courtesy of the nation’s swimmers

Elijah Winnington and Sam Short’s blockbuster battle at Australia’s Olympic Swimming Trials may well have set the stage for one of the most special days in Australian sport history.

Elijah Winnington celebrates winning the men’s 400m Freestyle Final at the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Mark the date July 28 in your diary.

If the stars align it could be the greatest day in Australian Olympic history.

For the first time, Australia has a serious shot at winning three gold medals in a single session with Ariarne Titmus and the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay defending the titles they won in Tokyo.

And now Australia has two realistic contenders for Olympic gold in the men’s 400m freestyle for Paris.

In a throwback to the days of Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett, Elijah Winnington and Sam Short will head to France both with a great shot at the biggest prize in swimming after they sealed their places after an epic race at the national trials on Monday.

Winnington and Short’s battle in the 400 metres freestyle on opening night, harked back to the days of Thorpe and Hackett. Picture: Vladimir Rys/Bongarts/Getty Images

The pair raced stroke for stroke for the first 350 before Winnington, the 2022 world champion, pulled away on the last to win in 3:43.33, with Short just behind in 3:43.90.

Neither man came close to their best times but they were still fast enough to seal their places.

“Ultimately in Paris you can win in a 3:45 or 3:39, but you’re still going to be an Olympic gold medallist,” Winninton said.

“And I think that’s the biggest thing. That’s the difference between an Olympics and any other major competition, is that it’s purely a race.

“Every other comp you kind of have your own target times in the back of your head as well. But, and speaking from experience, I know when you go to an Olympics, all you want to do is get the highest place you can.”

Short, who won the world title in 2023, said the competition between him and Winnington was good for both Aussies.

Sam Short after qualifying for Paris. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“I’m a racer, that’s what I love doing. It’s amazing and I wouldn’t be where I am without racing him,” said Short, who controversially missed the Tokyo Olympics. “That’s probably pretty disappointing.

“That’s what drove me definitely to make the team in 2022. And the success I had last year. And now I’m finally going to Paris.”

Winnington credits Short for making him go faster too.

“Sam is so much younger than me and he’s pushing me all the time. I know when I’m training, I’m thinking about Sam and making sure I’m pushing myself, and I’m sure that Sam does the same,” Winnington said.

“I think that’s why Thorpie and Hackett were so good and that’s why you guys (media) always sort of compare us to them is just because they were then pushing each other all the time and they kept making each other better.

“I’m very fortunate to have Sam, as much as it’s sometimes sucks having one of the best 400m freestylers in the world, also just the guy you have to verse domestically at a state championships but we push each other and I think that’s what makes it so great.”