ADELAIDE: In a remarkable display of talent, 20-year-old Edward Sommerville from Brisbane emerged victorious in the men’s 200-metre freestyle final at the national swimming trials, clocking a time of 1:44.93. This performance not only showcased Sommerville as a rising star in Australian swimming but also placed him in an elite group alongside legends, including Ian Thorpe.
Sommerville’s win at the trials on Tuesday night was highlighted by his triumph over three members of the Australian team that claimed bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the Paris Olympics last year: Max Giuliani, Flynn Southam, and Elijah Winnington. With his impressive time, Sommerville became only the fourth Australian swimmer to dip under the 1:45.00 mark in this event, joining Thorpe, Clyde Lewis, and Giuliani in this exclusive club.
Thorpe, who holds the national record of 1:44.06 set 24 years ago, commented on Sommerville’s performance, praising his technique and stroke efficiency. "He has great stroke… the catch, slight pause, and tightening towards the finish are commendable," Thorpe noted while commentating for Nine during the race.
Having made his senior debut in December at the world short-course championships in Budapest, where he and his teammates secured a silver medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay, Sommerville is now set to compete in his first senior long-course global championship at the World Championships in Singapore later this year.
In the final, Sam Short finished in second place with a time of 1:45.71, followed by Southam at 1:45.85. Sommerville began the day with a personal best of 1:47.54 and progressed through the heats with a time of 1:46.02 before his exceptional final performance.
Reflecting on his win, Sommerville expressed his determination to maintain his position among the top competitors, stating, "I’ve worked hard to get here but I’ve still got a way to go, so I’ll just keep working hard."
Cate Campbell succinctly summarised the excitement around Sommerville’s achievement as he stepped out of the pool, saying, "You have well and truly announced your arrival." In response, Sommerville credited his support crew, including family, coach, and physios, for their pivotal role in his success. "I’m glad to show what I can do," he concluded, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting career ahead in competitive swimming.