Commonwealth Games: Kyle Chalmers Scratches 100 Butterfly to Focus on Final of 100 Freestyle
Although he has spoken about his desire to race the 100-meter butterfly on the international stage and make a run at the event at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Australian Kyle Chalmers scratched the event during the fourth day of the Commonwealth Games. Why? There was a good reason: Chalmers has the final of the 100 freestyle during the evening session and could produce an epic performance.
During the semifinals of the 100 freestyle, Chalmers easily clocked the fastest time in the field, an effort of 47.36. Give the way the Aussie ratchets up his ability in peak moments, a time in the 47-low range could be on the table, if not faster. The world record in the event sits at 46.91, popped by Brazilian Cesar Cielo during the super-suit era of 2009.
Chalmers will match up with England’s Tom Dean during the final, while Canadian Joshua Liendo is also lurking. During the Commonwealth Games, Chalmers has been at the center of an Australia media storm, with several outlets questioning whether he failed to congratulate teammate Emma McKeon at the end of the mixed freestyle relay that was won by Australia.
Chalmers fought back against those accusations, stating that the Aussie media has sought to develop “false” storylines and is not interested in focusing on the positive contributions he has made. Chalmers also raised the importance of his mental health, noting that the media attacks have led him to question his involvement in the sport.
