Australian Men Break 2009 Commonwealth Record In 800 Free Relay

2019 FINA WORLD AQUATICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Australian quartet of Clyde LewisKyle ChalmersAlexander Graham and Mack Horton combined to win gold and set a new Commonwealth Record in the men’s 800 free relay, registering a time of 7:00.65.

The previous mark, which was also an Oceanic and Australian National Record, was set by the Aussie team of Kenrick MonkRobert HurleyTommaso D’Orsogna and Patrick Murphy at the 2009 World Championships at 7:01.65.

The gold medal is Australia’s first in the event since 2003.

SPLIT COMPARISON

Australia, 2009 Australia, 2019
Monk – 1:46.00 Lewis – 1:45.58
Hurley – 1:46.47 Chalmers – 1:45.37
D’Orsogna – 1:44.82 Graham – 1:45.05
Murphy – 1:44.36 Horton – 1:44.85
7:01.65 7:00.85

The four men were incredibly consistent with no one dipping over 1:45.6. After a 1:45.58 lead-off from Lewis and a 1:45.37 split from Chalmers, Graham put them in first place heading into the final exchange with a 1:45.05 leg.

On the anchor, Horton started down the likes of Townley HaasMartin MalyutinJames Guy and Stefano di Cola and came out on top with the field’s fastest split of 1:44.85.

Russia ended up claiming silver in 7:01.81, followed by the U.S. (7:01.98), Italy (7:02.01) and Great Britain (7:02.04).

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Verram
4 years ago

I just hope the Aussies put together a decent team in the mixed freestyle relay (non Olympic event) to keep the relay medal streak going hopefully ..

Boknows34
4 years ago

Well done Australia. Their relays have been on fire this week. Really looking forward to seeing this battle again next year between five great teams.

Robbos
Reply to  Boknows34
4 years ago

It’s great to see the Aussies doing so well in the relays, that win last night was 4 from 5, this is extraordinary, we are not the US, In the 5th one we got bronze. There are 3 more relays, 4 x100 mixed, if Aussies take seriously up there with US. Then the 2 medleys, the girls should medal but behind the US. The men will struggle to medal, but great by the Aussies if we medal in 7/8 with 4-5 golds.

commonwombat
Reply to  Robbos
4 years ago

Tend to agree that AUS W4XMED is most likely playing for silver unless Hansen somehow pulls out a sub 1-06 split. Much will also depend on either Atherton or McKeown putting them in top 2-3 at first change otherwise its a podium rescue mission for both McKeon (who’s possibly running low on petrol) & C1.

M4XMED can certainly medal but it really looks a major scrap for the minors behind US. Wilsons newly found 100 speed probably puts them on par for the BRS leg for most every other team bar GBR. Temple has had an excellent meet (making 100fly final) and shouldn’t be shedding too much time to most other minor medal contenders & Chalmers probably has the… Read more »

Oceanian
4 years ago

Onwards and Upwards lads!

Robbos
Reply to  Oceanian
4 years ago

The Aussie 4X200 has always promised in recent years but never delivered, I hope as you say Onwards & Upwards, this team can improve, there is so much potential here.

commonwombat
Reply to  Robbos
4 years ago

Agree with you both. Whilst winning Gold nect year is far from certain, this is the first time since Athens that this AUS relay has been a serious contender for the top step of the podium. Furthermore, the ages of most members and prospective members is such that its likely it can remain seriously competitive post Tokyo. Its fair to say that this looks likely to be the ‘flagship” relay for the AUS men going forward.

ERVINFORTHEWIN
4 years ago

and many other teams for the matter

Texas Tap Water
4 years ago

This is the most exiciting men’s 4×200 ever. I can’t remember the last time five teams were so close in the last 100. All five had legit shot at gold, until Horton sped up in the last 50m.

Cobalt
4 years ago

Way to go Australia!

Texas Tap Water
4 years ago

“The four men were incredibly consistent with no one dipping over 1:45.6”

Russia: hold my vodka

All four Russians swam between 1:45.38 and 1:45.56

Samesame
Reply to  Texas Tap Water
4 years ago

Aaaaah but Horton did a 1.44

Samesame
4 years ago

And Mack finally got his toy with his medal ! They wouldn’t give him a toy the other night

Verram
Reply to  Samesame
4 years ago

They should all carry a hammer to the medal podium as it was a Thor like performance lol

About James Sutherland

James Sutherland

James swam five years at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, specializing in the 200 free, back and IM. He finished up his collegiate swimming career in 2018, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 2019 he completed his graduate degree in sports journalism. Prior to going to Laurentian, James swam …

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