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'My time': Young gun Southam dethrones Chalmers in 100m final

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Young Australian swimmer Flynn Southam has dethroned Kyle Chalmers in the Commonwealth Games 100m freestyle final.
  • Southam's victory marked a significant changing-of-the-guard moment, as Chalmers had never been beaten by an Australian in major international competition.
  • Other Australian swimmers, including Jenna Forrester and Kirralee Hayes, also secured medals on the penultimate night of the games.

A new era has dawned in Australian swimming as 21-year-old Flynn Southam sensationally dethroned veteran Kyle Chalmers in the Commonwealth Games 100m freestyle final. The victory in Glasgow represented a significant changing-of-the-guard moment, ending Chalmers' proud record of never having lost to an Australian in a major international competition.

Me and Kyle have utmost respect for one another. But it's my time to shine, and I know that.

— Flynn SouthamSoutham expresses his belief that this is his moment to achieve individual success.

Southam, fueled by a desire to prove his worth beyond relay duties, delivered a stunning performance, clocking 47.13 seconds. This time edged out bronze medalist Chalmers, who finished in 47.74 seconds, with Welshman Matt Richards taking silver at 47.64 seconds. The young swimmer's triumph fulfilled his potential as the likely successor to the "King Kyle" moniker.

"It's my time to shine, and I know that," Southam declared after his win. "I've been due for this, and this is my breakout meet. Four years ago, I came here as a little boy, but now I'm a man, and I belong here."

I've been due for this, and this is my breakout meet. Four years ago, I came here as a little boy, but now I'm a man, and I belong here.

— Flynn SouthamSoutham reflects on his journey and arrival at the elite level of swimming.

For Chalmers, the race was a mix of frustration and pride. While he missed out on potentially securing a record-breaking 10th Commonwealth gold and a 12th medal that would have surpassed Ian Thorpe as Australia's most successful male swimmer at the Games, he was gracious in defeat. "I'm completely fine with it," Chalmers said. "I'd rather be in the race for that to happen than be retired... I truly am so proud of him."

I'm completely fine with it. I'd rather be in the race for that to happen than be retired and seeing them swim faster than maybe what… well, he hasn't quite got me just yet, but it's very close to what my best ever was.

— Kyle ChalmersChalmers acknowledges the inevitability of being surpassed and expresses his acceptance of Southam's victory.

The night also saw strong performances from other Australian swimmers. Jenna Forrester completed a golden treble by winning the 200m individual medley, adding to her earlier victories in the 200m backstroke and 400m IM. Additionally, Kirralee Hayes secured para gold in the 50m freestyle S13 final, with Jenna Jones taking bronze.

When we were able to sit in the medal presentation, I really said, 'You know, this is your moment. I'm so proud of you, enjoy your moment, enjoy singing the anthem.' I truly am so proud of him.

— Kyle ChalmersChalmers congratulates Southam and expresses his pride in the young swimmer's achievement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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