Cesar Cielo (César Cielo Filho) still squats on two of the most sought after world records in swimming — 50 and 100m freestyle. He is a global star in our sport, and a towering star in Brazil. Now he’s leading Brazil’s next generation of sprinters to the 2016 Olympic Games.
Can the Brazilian sprinters come together to win relay gold in Rio?
Cesar, the old veteran, appears sober about their chances, but from his answers in the video above, I think he’s soft-selling it. Brazil, on paper, has more talent in the tank than any swimming nation on earth. Add to that the home court advantage with the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, and it appears they’re the favorite to win….in at least the 4×100 freestyle relay.
I think we’re seeing an historic shift in the 4×100 free relay field, worldwide. Team USA is always extremely tough, but not looking great right now. The Aussies? James Magnussen is a huge question mark with his shoulder surgery. The Russians? They’re a wild card. The French? They’re aging. The Brazilans? They’re stacked. Period.
Mel 4×100 men’s free relay predictions for Rio:
I know it’s early, but let’s play this game.
Team USA wins………silver.
Brazil, the hometown favorites, take the gold.
The Russians win the bronze.
What are your picks for the men’s Olympic 4×100 freestyle relay?
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This is a Gold Medal Media production presented by SwimOutlet.com. Host Gold Medal Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and the co-founder of SwimSwam.com, a Swimming News website.
Every year, it is the same story. The french have slow times, they are aging, they are a dark horse.
And every time since now 4 years, they win: 2-times european champions, 1 world champion, 1 olympic championship.
They are basically undefeated since 4 years now.
And about aging: Manoudou is 25, Metella is 23, Stravius is 27, only Gilot has reached 30+. And I do not include Agnel 25.
So I bet on France, Australia, Russia and USA as usual. Brazil will not make it to the medals
Not sure if Brazil can pull it off, but I can guarantee that if it happened we would see celebrations in a level unheard of in swimming
U.S all the way-
• Michael Phelps- 48.20
• Jack Conger- 47.94
• Caeleb Dressel- 47.80
• Nathan Adrian- 46.72
France:
Manaudou, 24, is monstrous right now, faster swimmer in the history of the universe. Gonna swim a 21′ flat in Kazan. Gonna prepare for the 100m free during 2016 and will be extremely fast if he trains right, which I think he will. Go I say he will be 47’0 not in relay. I’m telling you he is montruous and could be 45’9 in a relay.
Mignon, 22, progressing a lot, only been part of the French team this year in big meets and will be fast too. He is going to be 47’5 in a relay.
Stravius, 26, he is my buddy, he is like a mutly tool guy. He can swim anything, anything and fast.… Read more »
I think France will win it again, with Manadou, Metella, Gilot/Stravius and Yannick Agnel, who will probably be in good form again by then. Brazil will get the silver and USA the bronze.
Agnel can go sub 48, Manadou can pull out a 47 low, Metella, who is still young and rising can do a 47.5 I think in Rio, and then Stravius or Gilot can also swim a 47.2 – 47.8
Agree, and France is going to get a better 4x200m free relay too.
The real question is will cielo even be able to swim
Can Brazil win ? Any given Sunday. However two names: Hayes and Lezak.
The Australians could be a dark horse depending on IF (and this is a huge if) James Magnussen can get back to 47 low. Still to early to tell who will be on the U.S relay team for sure besides Adrian, there is a lot of young talent.I think the Russians will be in contention but ultimately will not pull off any better than a third place finish. Brazil looks to be very good assuming Fratus can the others can but down 47 highs. France is always a strong team no matter what as well. I think in 6 months from now we will have a much better idea.