Mitchell Larkin: Swimming is the number one sport in Australia

“Every single race at these Championships has been quite difficult but this one was unbelievably fantastic. I was counting on this very heat even though I knew beforehand it was supposed to be that tough. Being the first one to touch the wall is incredible. I was hoping to get the time between 1.53 and 1.54 and I nailed it. I am happy. I was also surprised with the silver and bronze medallists. I’ll need to rewatch the race to understand what happened to Radoslaw Kawecki, Ryosuke Irie, Tyler Clary. They all were the champions. On the other hand, new young athletes taking the podium spots is not that bad as well,” said the Australian swimmer after the race.   

“It was a fantastic night in the pool for the Aussies.  The Campbell sisters inspired me perfectly. I want to congratulate them. I’m also glad I was able to come away with a win,” Larkin said humbly at a press conference that he attended together with his female compatriots.

The champion also added that during today’s final heat he was in charge of the first 100 metres of the race and then he started to speed up.

“It’s true we haven’t had a result in this distance for quite a while. Earlier in the week I got a gold medal in the 100m backstroke and I didn’t think it was possible to win the 200m freestyle as well, especially after the semifinal where the competition was so tough, but I managed to come away with gold. Making it into history is not an easy task, but when I achieved it, I felt absolutely incredible. I have been dreaming of this victory since my childhood; I was 6 or 7, when I started swimming. Now this dream has come true. I like to represent Team Australia. We have a very solid culture of swimming; swimming is the number one sport in our country,” Larkin said happily.

Press Office of Organising Committee for 16th FINA World Championships