Kyle Chalmers smashed the world record in the Aussie men’s 4x100m freestyle relay team in Paris, and although it was 0.21 of a second quicker than the current mark, his time won’t count.
The ‘Big Tuna’ turned in a brilliant fourth leg for the men’s relay team, but it wasn’t enough to earn the reigning world champions gold in a thrilling race.
The team trailed for most of the first three legs of the clash until Kai Taylor brought them roaring back into medal contention with a stirring swim, followed by Chalmers bringing it home to take silver behind the USA.
Swimming legend Ian Thorpe called it the ‘best relay I’ve ever seen from Kyle Chalmers’ after the Aussies missed out on top spot on the podium.
Jack Cartwright and Flynn Southam left their teammates with some work to do after slipping to fourth in the first two legs of the contest.
But Chalmers enhanced his status as Australia’s greatest male relayer with a trademark late surge in the anchor leg.
He dived in with Australia struggling but his astonishing 100m split of 46.59 seconds was unbelievable.
However, his time will not count officially because it was recorded during a relay event.
Kyle Chalmers’ blistering split time in the 4x100m men’s freestyle relay will not be recognised officially (pictured celebrating after the race)
Chalmers (right, with his relay teammates) turned in a brilliant fourth leg for the team, but it wasn’t enough to earn the Aussies gold in a thrilling race
According to the rules, only the swimmer in the lead leg is eligible for an official time – and Chalmers was the fourth Aussie to hit the water.
The dive start that swimmers in the second to fourth legs of relays is slightly faster that the regular starts where the athletes are required to be still until the race begins.
Chalmers’ secret weapon at the Paris Games might be his new fiancee Ingeborg Løyning.
The Aussie had been through a rollercoaster of emotions at the 2022 Commonwealth Games as claims of a ‘love triangle’ emerged between himself and lovebirds Emma McKeon and Cody Simpson.
The ordeal led to Chalmers seriously considering quitting the sport he loves, but he looks fully rejuvenated in Paris with a vengeance with Løyning.
According to the rules, only the lead swimmer in a relay can set an official record time – and Chalmers (pictured left, with his teammates) was the fourth Aussie to hit the water
While the swimmers weren’t part of the opening ceremony along the River Seine in Paris, he has shared images from inside the Australian athletes village, including one of him all loved up with Løyning.
‘My Norwegian princess,’ he captioned the image with a heart emoji.
Chalmers and Løyning announced their engagement in June this year, putting an end to the ‘love triangle’ rumours once and for all.
