As reported earlier this month, both Cate and Bronte Campbell were spotted among those participating at Australia’s National Event Camp. Since then, both sisters have shared Instagram posts about the camp and both teased an upcoming bid for another Olympic appearance. It’s been a bit over a year since Cate Campbell confirmed her intention to race in Paris, sharing in February 2022 that she will be training in Europe en route to another Olympic bid. Now that they are both back in the water, it seems like we could see both sisters on the heat sheets for Australian Olympic Trials in 2024.
Bronte says that she’s been back in training for four weeks, and while Cate was less specific, she did #paris2024 in her post.
The Paris Olympics are roughly a year and a half away and if the Campbells qualified it would be Bronte Campbell‘s 4th-straight appearance and Cate Campbell‘s 5th.
After racing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in 2021, both Campbell sisters took a step back from major international competition. Neither of them has raced for Australia since Tokyo and both have been transparent about what they’ve been up to since the Games. They have shared via Instagram photos and videos of their travels, hobbies, and, in Cate’s case, experience conducting interviews for the Australian press at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Should they race at Paris 2024, it would be an opportunity for each sister to add to what are already legendary careers. Cate Campbell swam at her first Olympic Games back in 2008 when she qualified for the 50 and 100 freestyles in Beijing. Campbell made a strong impression at her first Games, taking home bronze in the 50 freestyle with a 24.17. She finished 10th overall in the 100 free with a 54.54 but got another medal in the 4×100 freestyle relay, leading off Australia’s finals contingent with a 54.43.
Bronte made her Olympic debut four years later in London as she and Cate represented Australia in the 50 free. Both sisters qualified for the semi-finals but neither made it to the final as Bronte hit a 24.94 for 10th while Cate swam a 25.01 for 13th. Cate also swam in the finals of the 4×100 freestyle relay in London, contributing to the team’s 3:33.15 Olympic record and Olympic gold medal-winning swim.
In 2016, both sisters returned to the Games, and both qualified to race the 50 and freestyle individually and both of them made it into both finals. Bronte was 7th in the 50 (24.42) and 4th in the 100 (53.04) while Cate finished 5th in the 50 (24.15) and 6th in the 100 (53.24). Campbell notably set the Olympic record in the 100 during both prelims (52.78) and semi-finals (52.71) but was unable to pull off a podium finish in the final heat.
The sisters’ biggest swim of the meet in 2016 came during the final of the 4×100 freestyle relay when they, along with Emma McKeon and Brittany Elmslie, set a new world record and took home Olympic gold. They put up a 3:30.65 to defeat the United States by over a second. Cate also picked up a silver medal in 2016 as a member of the 4×100 medley relay.
During their most recent Olympic performances, in 2021, they repeated that relay feat when they, McKeon, and Meg Harris swam to 4×100 freestyle gold in world record time. They swam a 3:29.69 to bring the mark under 3:30 for the first time in history. While Bronte didn’t swim any individual events at Tokyo 2020, Cate managed to snag her first individual Olympic medal since 2018 when she came third in the 50 freestyle (24.36). She also placed 7th overall in the 100 freestyle, hitting a 52.52.
The Campbell sisters already have a storied career at the Olympic level and if they end up qualifying for Paris 2024 they would likely add to their medal haul. The Australian women are presently a fairly unstoppable force in the 4×100 freestyle relay and are heavily favored to win the event at Paris 2024.
Without the Campbell sisters, who both spent the summer of 2022 away from competition, the Australian women decisively won the 4×100 freestyle at the Budapest World Championships. Mollie O’Callaghan, Madi Wilson, Meg Harris, and Shayna Jack swam a 3:30.95 in the event to out-touch Canada’s 3:32.15 and the USA’s 3:32.58. That relay team was also missing Australia’s top sprinter and most decorated Olympian Emma McKeon, who sat out of the Championships in 2022.
McKeon rejoined Team Australia for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she, Wilson, Jack, and O’Callaghan topped the 4×100 freestyle podium with a 3:30.64.
If you’re keeping track, between the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the 2022 World Championships, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, seven women have won gold for Australia in the 4×100 free: Cate Campbell, Bronte Campbell, Emma McKeon, Madi Wilson, Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, and Meg Harris. In 2021, six of the seven women qualified to race the 4×100 freestyle. Shayna Jack was absent from the field that year as she was serving a doping suspension. Less than a second separated victor Emma McKeon (52.35) from sixth-place finisher Mollie O’Callaghan (53.25). Jack has since returned to competition and has decisively inserted herself into the race.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, it has become clear that the Australian contingent in the 4×100 freestyle will most likely consist of some combination of these seven women. Four women will swim in the final, another two will race prelims, leaving one of those seven off the team. It’s worth noting that there’s a pack of 15-16 year olds including swimmers like Hannah Casey, Milla Janssen, and Olivia Wunsch, and some women who have hit 54s like Brianna Throssell, Leah Neale, and Mia O’Leary will be in the mix here. The level of skill and experience contained within the top seven, however, makes it hard to see a future where anyone else breaks in.
Emma McKeon is the favorite right now, having won Olympic gold in the 100 free in 2021 with a 51.96. That’s the fastest time in the world in recent years and makes her one of few women to get under 52 seconds in history. If you look beyond McKeon, however, the other six women all sit between 52.43 and 53.01 when looking at 2021 – 2023. If all seven women bring their A-game in 2024, the Australian Trials 100 freestyle final could end up being a more competitive race than the Olympic final a few months later.
Australian Women’s 100 Freestyle Rankings (Jan 1, 2021 – February 12, 2023)
| Best Time | Australian Rank | World Rank | |
| Emma McKeon | 51.96 | 1 | 1 |
| Cate Campbell | 52.43 | 2 | 3 |
| Mollie O’Callaghan | 52.49 | 3 | 4 |
| Shayna Jack | 52.60 | 4 | 6 |
| Madi Wilson | 52.76 | 5 | 9 |
| Meg Harris | 52.92 | 6 | 12 |
| Bronte Campbell | 53.01 | 7 | 16 |
We could get a preview of this 7-way showdown in 2023 if all seven swimmers show up at the Australian Trials in June, vying for a spot on the team at the 2023 World Championships. While the Campbells seem to have their sights set on Paris, it’s unclear if they will attempt to race at World Championships in Fukuoka in 2023.
just 2 ladies broke 53 at the australian trials in 21. If 53 low is what it takes to make the team, and should titmus consider making a bid, i fancy titmus for a spot. I dont see how she doesnt work on speed with that 200 on the docket.
I think she contests at least a prelims swim at trials in 24 to demonstrate shes a viable leg, and I wouldnt be surprised if she took it further. AND i wouldnt be surprised to see her on the finals podium
Clearly the act of actually ensuring you are actually putting forward factual information is something you have overlooked in your hunger to launch what is probably only a borderline “trial balloon”.
There were FOUR swimmers sub 53 at 2021 AUS Trials. McKeon, C1, Wilson & Harris.
It was 2022 (with no Campbells or McKeon present) where there were only 2 sub53s (MOC & Jack) with Titmus finishing 5th at 53.68.
I CAN agree there is some possibility that she may seek to put down a relay “marker” in the heats. However; the scheduling reality of having W400free & 4X100 heats and finals sharing the same session mitigates her being used on the 4X100 unless pure necessity requires doing so. Otherwise;… Read more »
No need to be condescending but if that makes you feel good have at it
I just think with the 400 free coming before the relay gives it that breath of possibility
im speculating cause i enjoy it. My details may be off but thats why i like coming to the comments, for conjecture to get and give perspective.
Relax, I respect your opinion. I got 21 and 22 trials mixed up but its not that serious, i think. Just making conversation about fancying a swimmers chances in theory
Was perhaps a little more terse than necessary, and for that I will apologize.
However, you have been getting more than a little repetitive trying to push a speculative line that really doesn’t advance the gold prospects in either the relay in question OR her 400free.
I, and others, have put forward a number of reasons why its not an avenue the coaches would prefer to go down unless necessity driven due to either others being ruled out by outside factors or, ; less likely, she somehow finds a 1sec PB thus making her a “must have” for the finals quartet …. which was the Ledecky scenario in Rio.
For a heat swim only, where the circumstances don’t necessitate… Read more »
“Creating something special”….having a baby?
- Jack – her domestic times do place her in contention for individual swim both her and 50 but as yet , has not
… Read more »Not so sure 53 low, 52 high isn’t worth deploying- especially if some don’t deliver. 53 mid may not be the strongest, but I bet she can produce a faster time and I would also consider titmus one of the more consistent/most likely to improve when stacked up with the other 8. 53 flats/lows have been featured on Australian relays in finals in all of their last major international competitions, sometimes 2. At least 1 that wasn’t a lead off, every time. I think from a rolling start she can definitely be 52 point. Would have to at least be considered if she were top 4 and she was 5th last year at nats.
She didn’t go to worlds & they didn’t have heats in Comms, so wasn’t required.
Still posting the photo of the medley relay team …
Is it heinous to think titmus might take a run at making this relay, and come next year have a legit shot ar getting on?
I don’t like her chances.
Just has to drop less than a second to be in the mix! I wonder 👀
It’s conceivable but not likely. She has a 53.68 and would need to drop that to a 53 low. I just don’t think it’s worth it for her to put that effort in just to possibly get a bonus relay heat medal.
Ariarne and Kaylee could both arguably have a legitimate shot if they really put their minds to it but why would they? A relay heat medal is a great achievement, but if you’re already winning individual golds and proper relay golds, why would you want the heat medal?
Maybe just by her nature of getting faster she gives it a go. She did swim her 100 pb at nationals. Maybe she will contest it again, drop something fast and then see how it goes
Idk I cant imagine anyone realizing they could make the team in the 4×1 and not trying for it. Ledecly did it in río iirc
Ledecky swam in the final in Rio and was the second best leg. That’s very different to someone who knows their ceiling is a heat swim.
In Tokyo Titmus was exhausted by her program. Had she swam her best then she would have another relay gold medal right now. Not sure why she would want to add a relay heat swim on top of that.
Do we know thats her ceiling and would she agree
Whilst I could conceivably see her dropping her 100 PB down to the 53lows; just where is that likely to place her ? Maybe 6th at best.
Given she has 400 heats in the same session; why use her unless pure necessity (illness ruling out higher seeds) requires ? Better to leave her as fresh as possible for 400 final that night.
She’s the big hitter for the 4X200 whereas here, she’s really only a “contingency resource”.
she was 5th just last year. Use her so you don’t risk sending in a 53 mid or high if other swimmers are inconsistent. I guess we can see in time
I’d rather see Titmus do a 1500m race just once- to see where she lands. I suspect she would be Number 2 all time (well) behind Ledecky.
I don’t think she can be that fast, but 15:50 is conceivable for me.
In other Aussie news, psych sheets are out for Victorian Open.
Notable names:
Hodges: 100 breast, 50 breast
McKeown: 100 breast, 200 breast, 100 back, 100 free, 200IM (notably not swimming 400IM or 200 back), 200 free
B Smith: 200 fly, 200 back (No 200IM or 400IM), 200 free
Se-Bom Lee: 200 fly, 200IM, 200 back, 400IM
Wunsch: 50 fly, 100 free, 100 fly, 50 free, 200 free
Sam Williamson: 50 breast, 100 breast
Matt Wilson: 50 breast, 100 breast, 200 breast
Pallister: 100 free, 200 free, 400 free (No 800 or 1500)
Yang: 100 free, 50 fly, 50 free
JES: 100 free, 200 back, 100 back
I Cooper: 100 free, 50 back, 50 fly, 50 free, 100 back… Read more »
Some others:
Tamsin Cook
Maddy Gough
Will Petric
I’m really interested to see if 15 yo sprint breaststroke prospect Nicholas Stoupas keeps up his trajectory this year. At 14 he was #1 all time in 50 breast and #2 in the 100 breast.
I considered including Gough and Cook but couldn’t be bothered because they don’t really seem relevant to any relays or individual events. But yeah I missed Petric. He’s one to watch.
Gough’s 1500 PB is faster than Pallister’s.
True. But it fell off a cliff last year and Pallister is younger and has the momentum. I see Gough as a possible finalist at best.
Her coach left to take up a job as head coach of Carlile in Sydney after the Olympics and Gough didn’t follow him until mid 2022.
We in need of a 100 Breast, but Paris maybe too early for him.
McKeown traditionally goes fast at the Victorian Open.
She always went fast in-season until she switched to Bohl. After her “building year”ast year I wonder if we’ll see some faster times this year or if she’s saving it all for Paris.
I’ve just realized that if Cate is selected for Paris, and Aussie relay win a medal (any color), she’ll be the first swimmer to win medal in 5 Olympics.
I looked this up the other day to check. From what I could see, she will be the first swimmer to do so. However, there is a Hungarian Fencer who won 6 consecutive golds! Insane.
and isn’t there a British rower who did that?
Steve Redgrave won 5 consecutive gold medals – one each Olympics from 1984-2000.
Aladar Gerevich as part of the sabre team between 1932 and 1960; the last at age 50. Also individual medals (gold 1948, silver 1952, bronze 1936). His total medal “swag” was 10, including one in a different fencing discipline.
NOT, however the oldest Olympic champion. That being Swedish shooter Oskar Swahn in 1912 aged 64 who also returned in 1920 winning silver at age 72 making him also the oldest medallist.
Yep- I couldnt find another….would be an amazing achievement!
Emma McKeon is the favorite right now, having won Olympic gold in the 100 free in 2021 with a 51.96. That’s the fastest time in the world in recent years and makes her one of few women to get under 52 seconds in history
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To be more accurate: 52 96 is the SECOND FASTEST TIME EVER, and makes her one of ONLY TWO women to get under 52
Yeah I thought that paragraph was underselling it a bit but I wasn’t going to say anything haha
Yeah, that would be like saying “Popovici swam 200 free in 1:42.97, which is the fastest time in the world in recent years and makes him one of few men to get under 1:43 in history”
Technically true, but people who know elite swimming would have a chuckle over it.
Bothered me too haha