The 2024 Australian Open Championships saw a thrilling competition in the Men’s 400 Freestyle Final. The swimmers were aiming to break the World Record of 3:40.07 by Paul Biedermann in 2009 and the Australian Record of 3:40.08 by Ian Thorpa in 2002. The Australian Olympic QT was set at 3:45.43, adding to the pressure on the competitors.
Elijah Winnington emerged as the winner, taking home the GOLD with a time of 3:41.41, just ahead of Sam Short who claimed the SILVER with a time of 3:41.64. Kim Woomin secured the BRONZE with a time of 3:45.12.
Winnington and Short’s times were not only faster than their previous performances but also beat the previous top time in the world held by Kim Woomin of South Korea at the 2024 World Championships with a time of 3:42.71.
This performance puts Winnington in a prime position as he approaches his second Olympics, and he is now considered one of Australia’s top contenders for gold in Paris.
It is important to note that the Australian Trials in June will determine which swimmers will be selected for the Olympic team, and this rivalry between Winnington and Short promises an exciting showdown in future competitions.
The Men’s 400 Freestyle Final at the 2024 Australian Open Championships was full of excitement as Elijah Winnington took home Gold with a blazing time of 3:41.41, closely followed by Sam Short who secured Silver with a time of