Cate Campbell Rips 24.28 Prelim in 50 Free; Cody Simpson Dives In
A quartet of women eclipsed the 25-second barrier in the 50-meter freestyle during Saturday night’s heats at the Australian Championships. Leading the way was Cate Campbell, who covered her lap in 24.28 for a comfortable margin over Emma McKeon (24.88), Bronte Campbell (24.92) and Madison Wilson (24.97).
The performance was Campbell’s second speedy prelim effort of the meet, following her 52.43 swim in the 100 freestyle. In the finals of that event, Campbell was nearly a half-second slower, with McKeon picking up the victory. The women will tangle again on Sunday morning, as Australia has adopted a flipped format for the meet to mimic what will be seen at this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.
In other prelim action, Zac Stubblety-Cook (2:11.01) and Matthew Wilson (2:11.44) will square off in the final of the men’s 200 breaststroke while Abbey Harkin (2:24.27) and Jenna Strauch (2:24.65) will meet in the women’s version of the event.
Pop star Cody Simpson, an age-group star years ago who has rekindled his passion for the sport, had the 11th-fastest time in the prelims of the 50 butterfly. Simpson, who has been training under the watch of Brett Hawke, was timed in 24.68.
Cody is into the open final as someone above him nominated for age group final
I really hope he makes it !