Australia’s newest star is 22-year old Mitch Larkin, who has nabbed two coveted gold medals for his nation’s team so far in Kazan. After winning the 100m backstroke race earlier in the meet, Larkin clinched the win in the 200m distance as well, registering a gold medal-winning time of 1:53.58.
Larkin’s outing set a new Australian mark in the event and notably ended the United States’ historic gold medal streak in the event, dating back to the 1998 World Championships in Perth.
As to how he approached the 200 race today, Larkin says he “went into it with a bit more control and really tried to work the 2nd 100.” Larkin expresses amazement at his time, which is faster than he thought he’d be, anticipating he’d score a mark more in the 1:54-low range.
Larkin also warns swimmers to not “get caught up in the hype of these big meets” and says he is learning to take it all in this week, a strategy that is certainly paying off for the Aussie.
