2023 AUSTRALIAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TRIALS
- Tuesday, June 13th – Sunday, June 18th
- Prelims at 10 a.m. local (8 p.m. previous day EDT)/Finals at 7 p.m. local (5 a.m. EDT)
- Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Center
- LCM (50m)
- World Championships Selection Criteria
- Meet Central
- Final Start List
- Day 1 Prelims Live Recap / Day 1 Finals Live Recap
- Day 2 Prelims Live Recap / Day 2 Finals Live Recap
- Day 3 Prelims Live Recap / Day 3 Finals Live Recap
- Day 4 Prelims Live Recap / Day 4 Finals Live Recap
- Day 5 Prelims Live Recap / Day 5 Finals Live Recap
- Day 6 Prelims Live Recap / Day 6 Finals Live Recap
- Live Results
- Livestream (9now)
After six days of competition at the 2023 Australian World Championship Trials, 38 swimmers have punched their tickets to the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan.
On day six, there were five new qualifiers who both broke the Australian qualifying time and placed within the top two in finals. Three others were already qualified and then earned spots in additional events.
Cam McEvoy was a new addition to the list of qualifiers after winning the 50 free in a time that maintains his place as the second-fastest 50 freestyler in the world this year (21.41).
Shayna Jack won the women’s event in a qualifying time of 24.22. This was a big swim for her after she landed in the 200 free ‘B’ final on day three and it officially secured her a spot on the roster. Emma McKeon, who was already qualified in the 100 fly and 100 free, joined Jack under the qualifying time to add the 50 free to her lineup.
National record holder Brendon Smith won the 400 IM to punch his ticket, smashing his prelims time by 14 seconds (4:10.64). On the women’s side, 19-year-old Jenna Forrester added the 400 IM to her Fukuoka lineup after winning it by nearly five seconds (4:34.89).
Lani Pallister added the 1500 free to her Fukuoka lineup after she won the race tonight in a commanding time of 15:56.31. Moesha Johnson hit the wall second under the Australian qualifying time as well.
Swimming Australia ended the session by announcing their full World Championships roster, decided by head coach Rohan Taylor and the support staff. Due to relay considerations and additional events, not all team members have broken the Swimming Australia qualifying times (which were set faster than the standard World Aquatics ‘A’ cuts.)
This includes 100 fly gold medalist and national record holder Matt Temple who was just .07 shy of the Australian cut. Kiah Melverton also made it after she won silver in the 400 IM, just one second off the Australian cut.
Australian World Championships Individual Event Qualifiers Through Day 6
This list includes swimmers who broke the Swimming Australia qualifying time and placed top two in finals.
- Kaylee McKeown – women’s 200m IM (2:07.60), 100m back (57.50), 200m back (2:03.70)
- Jenna Forrester – women’s 200m IM (2:09.29), 400m IM (4:34.89)
- Emma McKeon – women’s 100m fly (56.74), 100m free (52.52), 50m free (24.26)
- Brianna Throssell – women’s 100m fly (57.66)
- Sam Short – men’s 400m free (3:43.38), 800m free (7:40.39)
- Elijah Winnington – men’s 400m free (3:43.48), 800m free (7:45.75)
- Ariarne Titmus – women’s 400m free (3:58.47), 200m free (1:54.14), 800m free (8:15.88)
- Lani Pallister – women’s 400m free (4:02.43), 800m free (8:20.56), 1500m free (15:56.31)
- Mollie O’Callaghan – women’s 100m back (58.42), 200m free (1:53.83), 100m free (52.48)
- Tommy Neill – men’s 200m IM (1:57.74)
- Elizabeth Dekkers – women’s 200m fly (2:05.26)
- Abbey Connor – women’s 200m fly (2:07.61)
- Kyle Chalmers – men’s 100m free (47.44)
- Flynn Southam – men’s 100m free (47.77)
- Bradley Woodward – men’s 200m back (1:55.95)
- Zac Stubblety-Cook – men’s 200m breast (2:07.86)
- Cam McEvoy – men’s 50m free (21.41)
- Shayna Jack – women’s 50m free (24.22)
- Brendon Smith – men’s 400m IM (4:10.64)
- Moesha Johnson – women’s 1500m free (16:03.02)
Swimming Australia also named:
- Bailey Armstrong (open water)
- Jack Cartwright
- Shaun Champion
- Isaac Cooper
- Bianca Crisp (open water)
- Maddy Gough (open water)
- Alex Graham
- Chelsea Gubecka (open water)
- Abbey Harkin
- Meg Harris
- Kyle Lee (open water)
- Kiah Melverton
- Nick Sloman (open water)
- Kai Taylor
- Matt Temple
- Sam Williamson
- Madi Wilson
- Jack Wilson (open water)
Full Australian World Championships Roster:
- Bailey Armstrong
- Jack Cartwright
- Kyle Chalmers
- Shaun Champion
- Abbey Connor
- Isaac Cooper
- Bianca Crisp
- Elizabeth Dekkers
- Jenna Forrester
- Maddy Gough
- Alex Graham
- Chelsea Gubecka
- Abbey Harkin
- Meg Harris
- Shayna Jack
- Moesha Johnson
- Kyle Lee
- Cam McEvoy
- Emma McKeon
- Kaylee McKeown
- Kiah Melverton
- Tommy Neill
- Mollie O’Callaghan
- Lani Pallister
- Sam Short
- Nick Sloman
- Brendon Smith
- Flynn Southam
- Zac Stubblety-Cook
- Kai Taylor
- Matt Temple
- Brianna Throssell
- Ariarne Titmus
- Sam Williamson
- Madi Wilson
- Jack Wilson
- Elijah Winnington
- Bradley Woodward
I know I’m being optimistic with this statement, but I think Chalmers can get very close that 47.00 or even 46.99 mark and I think if Flynn can get to 47 mid , next year he will be in contention.
I think this is reasonable considering each of them would only have to drop a tenth or two to do it.
I would be rather surprised if Chalmers doesn’t get down to the 46s.
The article above states that, “Swimming Australia qualifying times (which were set faster than the standard World Aquatics ‘A’ cuts” – what exactly is the purpose of having these higher time standards when they seem to turn around and ignore them right and left?
I can understand that to create a relay, but for individual events? What is the function of this standard? Thanks!
A couple of QTs WERE completely unrealistic (M100BK/M200FLY) but the bulk were challenging but largely within range for at least one swimmer per event.
On the women’s side, the only misses were W100/200BRS but had the likes of Hodges and Strauch been available, then one if not both would almost certainly have been met. In many events, the AUS QT was a relative “doddle”.
AUS men ARE patchy as regards depth and spread of talent with far more holes in the program. Non-competitiveness in an event is what it says and harder or softer QTs doesn’t change anything. The events where the FINA A were invoked were those where relays are involved: M200FR/M100BRSM100FLY. Swimmers outside what is an understandable “out… Read more »
I think this was very helpful thank you
The purpose is to motivate people to make the team.
Of the swimmers chosen, every single one either met the QT, won a stroke 100 or was top 6 in a freestyle relay event. The only exception is Champion who was 3rd in the 100 fly, and we need him for relay heats because Chalmers was the second in the 100 fly.
I’m not a fan of the QTs, and would prefer if we brought JES and Nowakowski, but you can’t say they just ignored the QTs because they clearly didn’t.
Actually there was one that I can see – not naming names, Did not win a 100 stroke, not in a free relay and not under a QT
Ah you mean Williamson. Yes you’re right. He won the 50 breast and is fast enough to be used in the relay heats.
So the only exceptions are Champion and Williamson and both are needed for relays.
I think the swimmer you mean was the one who won the 50 of his stroke under the A cut, and was also second in the 100 and will most likely swim the heat of the medley relay to allow the 200 specialist to not have to swim heats and finals!
This was a nice update thanks
thanks!
MY only quibble is that this year would give swimmers good experience before an Olympic year….
very true!
“Cam McEvoy was a new addition to the list of qualifiers after winning the 50 free in a time that maintains his place as the second-fastest 50 freestyler in the world this year (21.41)”.
21.41 is indeed the second fastest swim of the year … but only behind the 21.27 he himself swum in heats …
Did not hear the name of a single female AUS coach called out during the races. But, bravo to Swim AUS–which has had five leaders since 2017–in apparently finally using a regulation-sized pool in which to conduct its Trials!
Maybe they’re all married.
Seriously, you woke folk are getting really old.
You folk who call other people “woke folk” are getting really old.
You just watched the highlights didn’t you
Hmm, they had janelle pallister in commentary. And check the coaches selected.
aus two biggest coaches got a lot of shout outs – dean and bohly
Men’s team WC medal prospects are freestyle, 200 breast. Maybe that’s all.
Relay medal prospects are just OK. Now that the Italian men have improved, AUS has harder time getting their spot on the podium. Tho King Kyle has rescued them many times.
Women’s team is stronger. Freestyle and backstroke and 200 fly continue to be the women’s best events.
Men’s prospects:
Chalmers (100FR); either Short or Winnington (400FR – possible gold); Short (800FR), ZSC (200BRS – gold possible); 4X100 (50/50); 4X200 (outside chance)
Women:
Medal chances of varying strength in all freestyle events. Clearest gold chance is obviously 4X100; realistic gold chances in 100/200 & 4X200, all other free events should medal except maybe 1500. Near certain medal and very strong gold chances with McKeown in 100/200BK. Near certain minor medal with 4XMED. Realistic medal chance with McKeown in 200IM and maybe Dekkers (200FLY). Outside chance in 100FLY with McKeon.
MMR 50/50 medal chance.
Mcevoy 50 free? Temple 100 fly?
Mcevoy must be the favorite for gold right now (obviously depends on Dressel’s form)
And Ben Proud.
There’s also Manaudou, but I still favor McEvoy
this will sound negative but I’m being realistic. McEvoy won’t medal, he did his thing against nobodies. Repeating that in Japan is a different task. Temple 8th ish. Winnington will never medal individually at Olympics or world level. This is a seriously weak Aussie mens team. A lot of events they won’t have a finalist. Kyle a medal chance. Cook is class, will be fav for gold. Short is a beast, he wins a medal at least. Don’t see them winning any other individual medals and their medley & 4×2 teams are average.
Winnington already showed last year he can win a medal in the 400.
in the future is what I meant 👌🏻
Winnington won the 2022 WC in the 400 in a fast time, but why let the facts spoil your story.
👍🏽 nice
Lol. Sounds like a troll
Err, Winnington put out a statement swim last year. The defending world champion in a very fast time
wont medal, lock it in
One great swim does not guarantee a medal. He needs to be able to produce 3 fast swims, ideally getting faster as one progresses rather than just one fast swim then adding time in the next round.
Medals in the M100FLY will be won sub50sec or 50 very low at worst. Temple hasn’t been in that range since 2021.
He swam the two fastest times of the year so far. Sure, he’s not a lock for gold. But to not even include him as a medal prospect is pretty ridiculous.
Thought about him and his swims at this meet are as positive a note as we’ve seen from him since 2016 BUT 7 years of the rare/one-off fast swim that was never followed up internationally count against him.
Seriously wish him well but I’d be putting my $$$ on other’s with far more reliable track records in recent years. Winning a medal means 3 consistently fast swims and hopefully getting faster as you go along; since when has he done this in recent history ?
I get it that you may disagree with my rationale and am not offended by that but I believe it to be a defensible argument.
He’s a prospect, just don’t think he swims that fast in Japan
That breakdown looks very accurate.
Interesting that Australia has the same strong (and weak) events year after year.
They almost always have a top contender in the 400 free. It’s no coincidence that an Australian girl surpassed the great Ledecky in the 400 free.
Mcevoy and Pallister in the 1500m
Can McEvoy back up fast swim with another one through 3 rounds ? Not sure.
Pallister has a legitimate chance BUT others have swum faster than her this year; ie ranks no5. I have her as a possible but not as strong a chance as can be found in every other women’s freestyle race.
If Pallister is not 100% rested and tapered as she would be for Worlds, then time comparisons are not very accurate.
Who knows how much she could drop?
She was faster at Worlds last year than at trials this year and I don’t believe she is going backwards.
You may be correct re Mcevoy but I think he will medal.
He is in the best shape he has ever been for the 50, so I don’t see a problem making the final.
He doesn’t have any other events and his experience and learning from past failures will help him. I can see him putting up a fantastic swim in the final.
Pallister I can see Pb in the final, which should see her medal
McEvoy is focused. He can do 3 very fast 50s
You’re talking about all medal prospects?
Men: 50 Free, 100 Free, 400 Free, 800 Free, 1500 Free, 50 Back, 200 Back, 200 Breast, every relay
Women: 50 Free, 100 Free, 200 Free, 400 Free, 800 Free, 1500 Free, 50 Back, 100 Back, 200 Back, 100 Fly, 200 Fly, 200IM, 400IM, every relay
Also Australia hasn’t won a 200 Fly medal in a long time in long course. I would say that’s emerged as a great event rather than “continuing” to be a great event.
Think some of those are “best case scenarios” but I will grant that they do all have some legitimate plausibility …. other than M4XMED !
Men: no arguments with M100FR/400FR/800FR/200BRS and 2 free relays. Whilst I think you’re overoptimistic with 50FR & 50BK; they are at least plausible but 1500 is pushing optimism a bit too far. With 3 legs being seconds off the pace; I just cannot see the case for 4XMED.
Women: concur fully with 50/100/200/400/800FR,100/200BK, 200IM & all relays. Think 1500/200FLY are more “marginal calls” given current times and US yet to fully “report in” but accept that a genuine case can be made for both. Not sure who if anyone will actually swim 50BK & 400IM… Read more »
Maybe we use the word “prospect” differently. I use it to mean “has a reasonable chance at winning a medal”, so yeah it includes anyone with a time that could reasonably win a medal. You seem to be a bit more conservative. To me, a “medal prospect” is a much lower bar than a “predicted medal”. Kaylee, MOC, ZSC, Short and Titmus are “predicted medals”. Cooper, McEvoy and Dekkers are “medal prospects”.
Tend to agree with your predictions to commonwombat predictions.
McEvoy just swam the best 2 swims this year in a time that wold won gold in last WC, but not in his predictions because he can’t see him swimming 3 fast 50s.
Pallister a proven 1500 swimmer in both LC and SC last year but only 5th this year also not included.
Sjostrom no swims in the last 4 years to match MOC, McKeon and Haughtey times but is a realistic chance.
Very irregular use of form by him.
Hoping McEvoy can still throw down a good relay split ….
Let Cam focus on the 50 free and fly.
Mens 4×100 will be serviced well by Kyle, Flynn, Jack, Kai and Matt.
Now that we have the roster can someone more familiar with Australian swimming take a guess at the most likely finals lineups for all the relays? They seem pretty obvious, but I’m often surprised so I’ll defer to someone who follows them more closely.
Women’s 4×100 free is likely to be:
McKeon
MOC
Jack
Harris or Wilson depending on their form at trials, but likely Harris as she’s been consistent in relays.
W4x200:
Titmus
MOC
Pallister is likely
Jack, Wilson, and Melverton all vying and have all been faster than at trials
The men’s is too difficult to call I think.
Prediction. Titmus wont win an individual gold at world or Olympic level again. Happy to discuss
Disagree. She is very strong
Yes she is but Maddie is a better 200 swimmer & Summer will dominate the 400. & they’re both younger obviously which is significant in womens swimming.
I think you mean Mollie?
She has huge competition for sure, but I wouldn’t write her off just yet based on what we’ve seen.
We have no idea what kind of form she’s in (from trials to being fully rested/tapered) and by how much she could improve between now and Worlds.
I feel people are really wanting to write her off at every chance, but it’s too early to tell. Though you could be correct.
I think Mollie is going to be super strong in both free events in years to come and I would be very happy to see her take out the 200 free at Worlds and Olympics.
im not writing her off at all, I think she can go faster than shes been. just think mollies speed and skills through the turns get her up in the 200. summer will win both 400s for years to come.
Congrats on a great trials, Aussies! Worlds are looking good for my second favourite team.