Kyle Chalmers blitzes 100m freestyle field, McEvoy gets job done

CAMERON McEvoy’s biggest threat to the Olympic 100m freestyle crown is an Australian after two of his main rivals almost saw their dreams go up in flames in the heats.

Australia's Kyle Chalmers launches off the blocks in his 100m freestyle heat. Picture. Phil Hillyard

AUSSIE roommate Kyle Chalmers has emerged as Cameron McEvoy’s biggest threat to the Olympic 100m freestyle crown after two of the world No. 1’s main rivals almost saw their dreams go up in flames in the heats.

Chalmers emerged as the smoky in the field with a scorching 47.90s heat win, qualifying fastest for the semi-finals as he rocketed to the third fastest time in the world this year.

Australia’s world No. 1 McEvoy also got his job done in the heats, his time of 48.12s was enough to rank him fourth and progress to the semi-finals in good shape.

But it was the battle behind the Aussies that almost blew this event wide open.

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USA’s Olympic champ Nathan Adrian qualified in 16th and last position for the semi-finals, making the cut by just 0.03s with his time of 48.58s.

World champ Ning Zetao of China, who served a doping ban in 2011, was just as lucky he qualified in 14th position with a time of 48.57s.

The big shock was the elimination of France’s Jeremy Stravius who despite producing one of the faster splits in the 4x100m freestyle relay final, placed 18th in the heats in 48.62s to miss the semis.

McEvoy said it was a clear sign this event was wide open, although it was too soon to write off the proven big race performers in Adrian and Ning.

“It definitely shows that the standard of international heat swimming has improved but I believe that is no indication of the potential they have. The heats are for just getting through,” McEvoy said.

Australia's Kyle Chalmers was fastest qualifier after the 100m freestyle heats. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Australia's Cameron MceVoy checks his time after his 100m freestyle heat. Picture. Phil Hillyard

“(Chalmers) is ranked first and just snuck under 48 for the first time which is amazing and he’s handled it so well mentally as well.

“I’m in the same apartment with him and he has just been so easy going. It’s very much the same way I approach my competition and I definitely think he has a bit more in the tank for tonight and potentially tomorrow night too.”

If anybody looks set to handle the Olympic pressure it’s Chalmers. The 18-year-old South Australian’s carefree attitude set to let him with a clear mind and allow him to stick to his race plan of making a late move on the field.

“I know my back end is my strength. If I knew was with them on the way out which I purposefully just went easy on way out and cruised through I knew that my back end is my strength so I worked that last 15m in the wall and was very happy with this morning’s swim,” Chalmers said.

“I haven’t thought about (breaking 48 seconds) too much, it’s just a heat and about progressing through the rounds.”

McEvoy meanwhile avoided talking about the doping discussion which has dominated the pooldeck ever since his Australian teammate Mack Horton called out drug cheats on day one of racing.

McEvoy was beaten to world titles gold by Ning last year but refused to reveal his personal opinion on the biggest talking point in world swimming.

“I currently came here to swim and I will stick to swimming,” McEvoy said.

“I’m not very educated of this type of stuff in terms of the facts and the political stances and that type of stuff.

“Everyone has their own personal opinion but I’m going to choose to keep that to myself.”

In other heats on day four Australia’s Madeline Groves qualified fifth fastest for the 200m butterfly semi-finals with a solid 2:07.02 heat hit out.

West Australian Olympic rookie Brianna Throssell also progressed, she was ranked 10th after a time of 2:07.76.

Originally published as Kyle Chalmers blitzes 100m freestyle field, McEvoy gets job done