Tokyo Olympics 2021: Women’s 4x100m final, Australia gold and world record

Cate Campbell has once again produced when it mattered, helping deliver one of Australia greatest gold medal swims. And yet, she still doesn’t get the full credit she deserves.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Day 01. 24/07/21. Swimming Heats at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre in Tokyo Japan. AustraliaÕs Mollie OÕCallaghan, Meg Harris, Madison Wilson and Bronte Campbell in the heats of the WomenÕs Freestyle Relay. Bronte dives in for the last leg. Picture: Alex Coppel.

You can add Australia’s wonder women swimmers to death and taxes as the only certainties in a world gone crazy.

Just when the whole nation needed a lift, our golden girls delivered right on cue, winning the 4x100m freestyle final at the Tokyo Olympics.

It is the third time in a row Australia has won the event but this was the sweetest of the lot after all the heartbreak and agony that everyone has gone through in the last year.

It was a moment to savour especially for Cate Campbell, who almost quit the sport after she was savaged by online trolls for not winning her individual races in Rio in 2016.

Australia’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony, Campbell once again produced when it mattered, anchoring the team to a world record of three minutes 29.69 seconds, smashing the old record the Dolphins set at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

There was a poignant moment when she joined her sister Bronte - who led off the relay in possibly her last Olympic race - and the other team members, Emma McKeon and Meg Harris, on the podium.

Australia’s 4x100m relay team smashed the world record to claim gold. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Collecting their medals from a tray because of social distancing rules, the four Australians presented each other with their prizes in what already ranks as one of the most touching moments of the Tokyo Games.

“We push each other and challenge each other but we do that in a really supportive way,” Cate said.

“There is no malice and no animosity towards one another and I think that has just spoken volumes.

“This is the third Olympics in a row that Australia has won this event and that in itself really needs to be celebrated. To do that for 13 years in a row is incredible.”

Bronte and McKeon were also on the team that won gold in Rio but Cate is the only member who was also part of the team that won in London so joins Dawn Fraser and Libby Trickett as the only Australian swimmers to win gold medals at three Olympics.

Australia’s golden girls enjoy their 4x100m triumph.

If this is the last time the Campbell sisters swim together then it was the perfect way for them to sign off.

“Rio was our first time on the podium at the Olympics and to replicate that - I don’t know that anyone’s ever done that,” Bronte said.

“I know these girls are like my family and we’ve all grown up together but Cate is literally my family so to stand up with my sister pretty is incredible.

“Every single career has a journey you go on, and for us being in the relay has always been a high point and we’ve always really loved it.”

It remains a travesty that Cate, in particular, has never been given the full credit she deserves because she hasn’t won an individual gold medal at the Olympics.

She still may - though her biggest obstacle appears to be her own teammate McKeon - who is now the odds-on favourite to win the individual 100m freestyle title after a blistering split time of 51.35.

Australia's Cate Campbell (R) shows her joy.

The Australians embrace post-race.

Emma McKeon, Meg Harris, Bronte Campbell and Cate Campbell with their gold.. Picture: Alex Coppel.

The truth though is it doesn’t matter anymore because Cate’s place in the hearts of all Australians is assured as she has never let her country down in relays.

Part of the reason Campbell excels in the relays has to do with her height. Anyone watching her carry the flag with Patty Mills will have noticed how tall she is, which is both a blessing and a curse for freestyle sprinter.

No matter how much she practices, she cannot get off the blocks from a standing start as quickly as her shorter competitors, and those valuable fractions of a second can be the difference between winning a medal or not.

But in relays, when swimmers are allowed to start moving forward just as the incoming swimmer approaches, she doesn’t lose any time and actually gets an advantage the extra kick she gets off her legs gives her the advantage.

“We’ve all really had to step up year in and year out, but also supporting each other,” she said.

WHAT THE SWIMMERS SAID:

Meg Harris: “Incredible. There is no feeling like it. Last night swimming with Maddie I walked out and it was insane. Then to get the opportunity to do it again in the final is even better.”

Emma McKeon: “Yes, being a part of this relay especially always lifts you. Going out with the girls, you have that extra bit of adrenaline. I actually felt a bit more relaxed going in with the rest of them and seeing the girls last night put up a good heat swim. All six of us are part of this team. So very exciting.”

Bronte Campbell: “Incredible. It has been a long time with my team. One of my favourite memories of being part of the Australian team is being part of this particular team. Incredible group of girls. So fantastic for Meg as a freshy on the team and the next generation coming through is also amazing.”

Cate Campbell: “Yes, I could not be prouder of these girls. It has been a tough ask for everyone to get here and to come away with the win and a world record. You honestly couldn’t have asked for anything better.”