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Mitch Larkin has officially made his mark on the international scene, becoming the first man to sweep the backstroke events since Aaron Peirsol did it in 2005. He also ended an eight-meet streak of wins for the Americans, a fact that was not lost on the 22-year-old Australian.
“For Australia, it’s fantastic,” he said. “I think (the 200 back) next year will be amazing.”
Listen To Interview On Swimming World Radio
“Amazing” was a word Larkin used often when talking to reporters after the race. He said it when describing his own performance, the swims by the Campbell sisters in the women’s 100 free, and the backstrokers who came before him in world championships history.
“Amazing” could also describe Larkin’s trajectory in the past year, from winning the Commonwealth Games title in the 200 back and the short course world title in the 100 back. He said it was that gold medal last December at short course worlds that made him believe he had the ability to contend for a medal in the long course pool. That was cemented at the Australian nationals last April when he put up fast times that he said weren’t executed properly.
“I knew there was potential for big improvement,” he said.
