Magnussen: Australia’s golden girls competing to become ‘the greatest Olympian in history’
James Magnussen says we could be witnessing three Aussies compete to be the ‘greatest Olympians in history’ all at the same Games, as the Matty and Missile podcast talks all things Paris.
As Australia storms towards its best ever Olympic campaign, James ‘Missile’ Magnussen delves into how the incredible performances of the Aussies in the pool affects the all-important medal tally and highlights the USA rivalry.
“We’re on track to make it our most successful Olympics ever,” Magnussen said on the Matty and the Missile podcast from Paris.
“Not only is Australia winning races, but America are losing events they would’ve been banking on for gold medals so this rivalry is at fever pitch at the midway point of this swimming meet.
“A lot of complaints about this pool, most of those complaints are being aimed from our friends in America, they’re not happy with the depth of the pool, they’re saying there’s too many cameras in the pool, it’s causing waves for the swimmers.
“Is that a coincidence that they’ve only got two gold medals and they’re complaining about the pool depth.”
MATTY AND THE MISSILE: Matty Johns and James Magnussen join forces in Paris to take you inside the world’s greatest sporting event. Listen to their podcast below:
Reliving another golden swim from golden girl Kaylee McKeown, the Missile says “the darling of Australian swimming right now” rose to the incredible occasion.
“There was no bigger task for Kaylee McKeown than gold in the individual 100m backstroke. This was going to be her toughest race.
“She dug deep, she fights, she’s like a dog with a bone in that 100m backstroke, she overcame both Americans who took silver and bronze, gold for Australia again.
“She becomes the third woman (in swimming) to win the same event at back to back Olympics, after Dawn and day one, Ariarne (Titmus).”
McKeown joining Titmus and Mollie O’Callaghan atop the podium in Paris.
“It’s essentially at the moment, we’ve got Ariarne racing, Mollie racing, Kaylee, to become the greatest Olympian in history, what an insane scenario, all at the same time, all at the same Olympics,” Magnussen said.
With all eyes turning to the men’s 100m freestyle final- Kyle Chalmers placed second- the former Olympic swim champion discussed the difference in Chalmers’ approach since Tokyo.
“Chalmers goes in second to the final, which is exactly where he wants to be,” Magnussen said.
“In Tokyo he made the slip up of going too easy in the semi final, ended up in an outside lane and couldn’t see Caleb Dressel in that final, which eventually cost him the gold medal.
“Tomorrow night he’s going to be in the thick of it.”
They also discuss the infamous surf break in Tahiti that’s posed a problem for Olympic officials and the pure power of Josh Giddey in the green and gold.
“It’s (Tahiti) the most terrifying surfing joint you’ve ever seen.”
“What he’s unbelievable at, Giddey, his skill is so reactive it’s unconscious... He’s quite unbelievable.”
A hot topic throughout the village, and Magnussen’s social media messages, the Missile shared an update on the major vegan menu being served up to competing Olympians.
“The International Beef Organisation has contacted the IOC and criticised them about the lack of protein options, the way of red meat,” Magnussen said.
“To all the vegans out there, peace to you.”
More Coverage
‘World at his feet’: Australia’s never seen anything like Gout Gout
Bruce McAvaney has seen so much in Australian track and field throughout his broadcasting career, but nothing compares to what teen sprinting sensation Gout Gout is doing at his age.
Fantastic Foxes, LJ scoop prestigious sports awards
Not even a Hollywood script writer would have suggested the Fox sisters could sweep the slalom events at the Paris Games. But their performances touched the heart of a nation and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.