2024 NSW State Open Championships: Day 1 Prelims Live Recap (original) (raw)

2024 NEW SOUTH WALES STATE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Day one of the 2024 New South Wales State Open Championships will start within the hour. The championships are being held at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Center, with heavy hitters such as Mollie O’Callaghan, Kaylee McKeown, Emma McKeon, Maximillian Giuliani, Isaac Cooper, and Cameron McEvoy all in attendance.

The first of three prelim sessions will feature ten events, in addition to some para-class action. The day will kick off with the men’s 400 free, with the women’s 50 fly, men’s 200 fly, women’s 100 breast, men’s 50 breast, women’s 100 free, men’s 100 free, women’s 400 IM, women’s 200 back, and men’s 50 back also on the docket.

Men’s 400 Freestyle — HEATS

Top 10 Qualifiers:

  1. Benjamin Goedemans (STPET) – 3:52.77
  2. Matthew Galea (SOSC) – 3:52.84
  3. Lachlan Walker (GUSC) – 3:54.75
  4. James Koch (MIAMI) – 3:56.06
  5. Luc Kroon (NED) – 3:56.22
  6. Zac Incerti (USCS) – 3:56.39
  7. Brendon Smith (GUSC) – 3:57.09
  8. Silas Harris (NUN) – 3:57.65
  9. Se-Bom Lee (SOSC) – 3:57.78
  10. Alexander Graham (MIAMI) – 3:58.03

The first (and fastest seeded heat) of the men’s 400 free saw 19-year-old Benjamin Goedemans claim victory. The St. Peters Western representative checked-in at 3:52.77, with Sydney Olympic Park’s Matthew Galea touching just 0.07 behind in 3:52.84. Goedmans finished just 0.43 outside of his entry time, and notably tore through the first 100 in a very swift 54.01, before clocking 1:00.11 and 1:01.13 on the middle two 100s. Goedmans then reignited the pace, charging home in 57.52 over the final 100.

The two swimmers swam completely different races this morning, with Goedmans (1:54.12) attacking the first 200 with much more intention than Galea (1:56.06). The SOPAC star nearly even split the race though, closing in a similar 1:56.78. He took the lead at the 300 turn but shut things down significantly over the closing 50 meters.

22-year-old Galea had a big breakthrough last July, where he traveled to compete at the TYR Pro Championships in the United States. There, he recorded new personal best times in the 400 (3:47.54), 800 (7:50.25), and 1500 (14:57.19) freestyle distances, inserting his name into the conversation to make the Australian Olympic Team. His best chance, at this point, looks to be the 1500 free.

Of note, relay contributor Zac Incerti contested this event. He touched 6th overall and advanced to the final, touching 0.11 outside his entry time in 3:56.39. 400 IM Olympic bronze medalist Brendon Smith also lined-up behind the blocks, turning in a time of 3:57.09 to sneak into tonight’s final. Fellow 400 IMer, Se-bom Lee, was 9th this morning in 3:57.78.

200 free specialist Alexander Graham, who trains at Miami under his longtime coach Richard Scarce, finished 10th this morning in 3:58.03. Junior standout Joshua Staples, who trains under the tutelage of Dean Boxall at St. Peters Western, finished with a time of 3:58.72 this morning. Staples has been as swift as 3:48.36, which he posted en route to snagging gold at the 2022 Junior Pan Pacific Championships.

European short course champion Luc Kroon, who represents the Netherlands on the international scene, participated in the heats today. Hitting the wall in 3:56.22, he finished 6th overall.

Two of Australia’s best-ever 400 freestylers, Sam Short and Elijah Winnington, will not be competing in Sydney this week. Winnington is coming off a successful Doha World Championships, where he claimed a pair of silver medals in the 400 and 800 free events. Short competed last week at the Brisbane Metros meet, where he recorded a morning timed final effort of 3:45.17 in this 400m distance.

Women’s 50 Butterfly — HEATS

Top 10 Qualifiers:

  1. Alexandria Perkins (USCS) – 25.93
  2. Emma McKeon (GUSC) – 26.33
  3. Madeline Groves (COMM) – 26.52
  4. Isabella Boyd (NUN) – 26.99
  5. Abbey Connor (USCS) – 27.20
  6. Chloe Rowe-Hagans (STAND) – 27.31
  7. Mia O’Leary (BOND) – 27.48
  8. Claudia Fydler (BOND) – 27.67
  9. Kayla Hardy (CRUIZ) – 27.72
  10. Mikayla Bird (BOND) – 27.78

USC Spartan Alexandria Perkins (25.93) posted the fastest 50 butterfly of the morning. Touching in the only sub-26 effort, she stole the show in heat two. Perkins won this event at the 2023 Australian World Championship Trials in 25.92, so she was just 0.01 shy of that swim this morning. She recently competed at the Doha World Championships in February, putting up a new best time (25.81) in the semifinals, before ultimately taking 6th overall.

Emma McKeon clocked a time of 26.33 to top heat one, and will have the opportunity to build upon the 25.86 personal best that she threw down last month at the Victorian Championships. McKeon will also feature in the 100 free later in the session, and she recently put up a time of 53.00 in February.

2016 Olympic silver medalist, Madeline Groves, touched in 26.52 for the 3rd fastest time of the morning. The former 200 butterfly specialist has shifted to the more sprint orientated races since 2018. 18-year-old rising star Isabella Boyd was the only other individual under 27 seconds in prelims, clocking in at 26.99.

Men’s 200 Butterfly — HEATS

Top 10 Qualifiers:

  1. William Petric (NUN) – 1:59.52
  2. Bowen Gough (GUSC) – 2:00.44
  3. Reece Caddy (HUNT) – 2:04.01
  4. Caleb Dryer (TRGR) – 2:04.16
  5. Marco Soesanto (MVC) – 2:04.76
  6. James Gauci (SOSC) – 2:05.27
  7. Joshua Moore (USCS) – 2:05.63
  8. Lachlan Foley (ABTO) – 2:06.06
  9. Joseph Hamson (KPSC) – 2:06.21
  10. Samuel Higgs (WASC) – 2:06.60

William Petric and Bowen Gough separated themselves from the field during today’s preliminary session. As the only two athletes under 2:04, all eyes will be on them once the final rolls around. Petric hit the wall in the only sub-2:00 effort of the day, finishing in a time of 1:59.52. He took the race out strongly, turning through the 100 in 56.93 before closing in 1:02.59.

Gough, who trains under Michael Bohl, split his race more evenly. He put his hands on the 100m wall in a much more controlled 58.38, ultimately finishing in 1:02.06 over the final 100 to check-in at 2:00.44. Gough represented Australia at both of the major meets in 2022, the World Championships and Commonwealth Games, before missing the standard in 2023.

Gough will not only have to be back at his best to qualify for Paris this year, but he’ll have to reach the 1:54.97 benchmark time set by Swimming Australia at the Trials.

Women’s 100 Breaststroke — HEATS

Top 10 Qualifiers:

  1. Jenna Strauch (MIAMI) – 1:07.59
  2. Matilda Smith (MIAMI) – 1:08.04
  3. Sienna Toohey (ALBU) – 1:08.36
  4. Tara Kinder (MVC) – 1:09.78
  5. Isabella Johnson (CRUIZ) – 1:09.82
  6. Emily Nobbs (CRUIZ) – 1:10.20
  7. Zoe Deacon (NUN) – 1:10.22
  8. Niamh Bedggood (RACKL) – 1:10.45
  9. Olympia Pope (MIAMI) – 1:10.65
  10. Ashleigh Oberekar (MIAMI) – 1:10.71

Miami’s Jenna Strauch was the lone swimmer under 1:08 this morning, hitting the touchpad in a quick 1:07.59. Strauch took the race out conservatively, splitting 32.09/35.50 en route to winning the first heat. It was a near season best time for the veteran, as she just finished outside the 1:07.33 that she produced at the Budapest World Cup stop in October. More known for her 200 skills, Strauch was pivotal for the Dolphins at the 2022 World Championships, especially for relay duties, with the injury of Chelsea Hodges.

Strauch’s training partner, 19-year-old Matilda Smith, finished in 1:08.04 for runner-up status heading into the final. She was closely followed by Sienna Toohey, who recently just turned 15-years-old. Toohey chopped 0.03 off her lifetime best, finishing 3rd this morning with a time of 1:08.36. Toohey came within a tenth of Leisel Jones’ legendary age record for 14-year-olds just last month with a time of 1:08.39, and took one last shot at two weeks ago where she touched in 1:08.58.

Splits Comparison, Sienna Toohey‘s Progression From August 2023 – March 2024:

TOOHEY AT THE 2023 SCHOOL SPORTS AUSTRALIA SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS TOOHEY AT THE 2024 NEW SOUTH WALES COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS TOOHEY AT THE SWIMMING ACT 2023-24 QUALIFYING MEET 3 TOOHEY DURING TODAY’S PRELIMS
First 50 32.69 32.07 31.72 31.82
Second 50 36.29 36.32 36.86 36.54
Total Time 1:08.98 1:08.39 1:08.58 1:08.36

Richard Scarce and Miami had four swimmers finish in the top ten this morning in Sydney, with 15-year-old rising star Olympia Pope touching 9th in 1:10.65 and Ashleigh Oberekar recording a 10th place showing of 1:10.71.

Men’s 50 Breaststroke — HEATS

Top 10 Qualifiers:

  1. Matthew Wilson (SOSC) – 27.30
  2. Haig Buckingham (SOSC) – 28.07
  3. Joshua Collett (BOND) – 28.30
  4. Calvin Reed (PROP) – 28.39
  5. Grayson Bell (SOMAQ) – 28.45
  6. Gideon Burnes (BOND) – 28.46
  7. Adam Selwood (PROP) – 28.62
  8. Joshua Staples (STPET) – 28.69
  9. Wilrich Coetzee (CSCAK) – 28.89
  10. Joshua Anderson (BGRAM) – 28.98

Matthew Wilson, who held the 200 breast world record for about a day in 2019, posted a fast 27.30 to lead the field this morning. Wilson’s time represents a new lifetime best, and he’s looking the best he has since the 2019 World Championships.

19-year-old Haig Buckingham, who trains with Wilson, turned in the 2nd fastest time. Touching just outside of breaking 27 seconds, he clocked 28.07 to lead the rest of the field by about a quarter of a second. The Adam Kable trained-athlete has been as swift as 27.53 in the event, and will have the opportunity to near that standard tonight.

Bond’s Joshua Collett was 3rd overall with his 28.30 time, with Calvin Reed (28.39), Grayson Bell (28.45), and Gideon Burnes (28.46) all in close pursuit.

Distance ace Joshua Staples showcased his versatility, finishing 8th overall in 28.69.

Women’s 100 Freestyle — HEATS

Top 10 Qualifiers:

  1. Emma McKeon (GUSC) – 53.46
  2. Mollie O’Callaghan (STPET) – 53.97
  3. Milla Jansen (BOND) – 54.89
  4. Bronte Campbell (CRUIZ) – 54.91
  5. Ariarne Titmus (STPET) – 55.01
  6. Brittany Castelluzzo (TTG) – 55.02
  7. Mia O’Leary (BOND) – 55.24
  8. Jaimie De Lutiis (WIAQ) – 55.29
  9. Abbey Webb (CRUIZ) – 55.50
  10. Lani Pallister (GUSC) – 55.53

After qualifying for the 50 fly final earlier in the session, Commonwealth record holder Emma McKeon led the way in the 100 free. The Tokyo Olympic Champion and 2nd fastest performer ever finished in 53.46, one of two sub-54 efforts. McKeon opened in 26.08/27.38 during her swim.

Two-time 100 free World Champion Mollie O’Callaghan was 53.97, splitting 26.53/27.44. Milla Jansen (54.89) and Bronte Campbell (54.91) were the only other individuals to dip into the 54-second realm. Ariarne Titmus (55.01) situated herself in 5th overall, and will feature in the 800 free final tonight with Lani Pallister (55.53), who touched 10th.

World Junior Champion Olivia Wunsch scratched the event, and she did the same in the 50 fly earlier.

As a reminder, Meg Harris and Cate Campbell, two of the top contenders come Trials, are not competing today. They both opted to compete at last week’s Brisbane Metro Championships instead, where Harris clocked times of 53.17 and 53.31 while C1 swam to times of 53.42 and 53.51.

Men’s 100 Freestyle — HEATS

Top 10 Qualifiers:

  1. Kyle Chalmers (MARI) – 48.36
  2. William Yang (SOSC) – 48.62
  3. Matthew Temple (MARI) – 49.50
  4. Josha Salchow (GER) – 49.66
  5. Cody Simpson (GUSC) – 49.86
  6. Isaac Cooper (STAND) – 49.97
  7. Flynn Southam (BOND) & Marcus Da Silva (CRAN) – 50.08
  8. –
  9. Dylan Andrea (MARI) – 50.16
  10. Alexander Graham (MIAMI) – 50.17

Kyle Chalmers made his presence known from the very first stroke, taking control of the first heat and dominating from the start. Flipping through the first 50 in 23.10 before finishing in 25.26, the 2016 Olympic champion finished in a final time of 48.36.

William Yang was the only other entrant to swim in the 48-second range, as he touched in 48.62. Yang recorded swims of 48.52 and 48.53 a few weeks ago at the Victorian Open Championships, so he was right on par with those performances. Yang underwent back surgery before championship season in 2023, but looks to be in a prime position to challenge for the Olympic team in a few months time.

18-year-old Flynn Southam, who ripped a massive 47.77 time at the 2023 Australian World Championship Trials, was equal 7th this morning in 50.08. Southam won the 200 free World Junior Title back in September.

One of the breakthrough stars of the past year, Maximillian Giuliani, missed out on the final in 11th place. He swam to a final time of 50.18, splitting 24.46/25.72 to place 4th in heat three.

Clyde Lewis (50.31) and Zac Incerti (50.32) were 13th and 14th, respectively.

Women’s 400 IM — HEATS

Top 10 Qualifiers:

  1. Talika Irvine (WIAQ) – 5:02.74
  2. Isabella Krantzcke (SOSC) – 5:05.97
  3. Lauren Maguire (STAND) – 5:07.59
  4. Indianna Cameron (STPET) – 5:10.49
  5. Maya Ostapenko (CARL) – 5:10.58
  6. Isabelle Rae (ALBU) – 5:19.39
  7. Isabelle Hanger (CRAN) – 5:19.57
  8. Lexie Cook (CARL) – 5:20.88
  9. Evie Bullock (LBMSC) – 5:20.93
  10. Kelsey Van Eldik (CH:S) – 5:21.53

Talika Irvine touched the wall in 5:02.74 to clear the women’s 400 IM field, leading all qualifiers by three seconds.

Isabella Krantzcke (5:05.97) and Lauren Maguire (5:07.59) were 2nd and 3rd this morning, representing the only other individuals under 5:10.

Women’s 200 Backstroke — HEATS

Top 10 Qualifiers:

  1. Kaylee McKeown (GUSC) – 2:10.24
  2. Minna Atherton (BOND) – 2:13.19
  3. Olivia Lefoe (NUN) – 2:13.97
  4. Helena Gasson (CSCAK) – 2:14.12
  5. Gina McCarthy (HAMWK) – 2:14.68
  6. Bella Grant (TRGR) – 2:14.89
  7. Emma Godwin (SUNHP) – 2:15.29
  8. Adriana Fydler (MIAMI) – 2:16.02
  9. Meg Senior (CRUIZ) – 2:16.95
  10. Abbey Webb (CRUIZ) – 2:17.27

To no one’s surprise, world record holder Kaylee McKeown was the fastest female backstroker of the morning. She finished in 2:10.24, a time that cleared the field by nearly three seconds. For the sake of comparison, McKeown was 2:10.89 during prelims last year, just hours before she set the current world record (2:03.14) in the event. It’s just a fun fact to be aware of as the final approaches, but she’s typically around that range during her preliminary efforts. At the Budapest World Cup stop in October, she clocked 2:10.64 in the heats before dropping a 2:04.81 in the final. At the 2023 World Championship Trials, McKeown stopped the clock in 2:10.44 during prelims before posting a winning time of 2:03.70 in the final.

Bond’s Minna Atherton (2:13.19), who won one gold and two silver medals at the 2019 World Championships, was the 2nd fastest qualifier. Olivia Lefoe also entered the 2:13-sector, touching in 2:13.97 for the 3rd fastest morning time.

Bella Grant was 6th this morning in 2:14.89, and won bronze in this event at September’s World Junior Championships. She also claimed a silver medal in the 200 fly at that same meet.

After qualifying 2nd into tonight’s 100 free final, Mollie O’Callaghan decided not to swim this event.

Men’s 50 Backstroke — HEATS

Top 10 Qualifiers:

  1. Ben Armbruster (BOND) – 25.40
  2. Lewis Blackburn (STAND) – 25.57
  3. Fergus McLachlan (BOND) – 26.06
  4. Toby Peknice (KPSC) – 26.36
  5. Jack Hendy (NUSW) – 26.39
  6. Will Sharp (NUN) – 26.43
  7. Matthew Mafnussen (STPET) – 26.66
  8. Joshua Kerr (MNLY) & Tane Bidois (KPSC) – 26.68
  9. –
  10. Evan Chee (NUN) – 26.90

Ben Armbruster was one of two swimmers to clock a 25-second time in the men’s 50 back, as he’ll lead all swimmers into tonight’s final. He checked-in at 25.40 this morning, with Lewis Blackburn touching 0.17 behind in 25.57.

Armbruster has really taken a big leap forward over the past year, and will be a major contender to make the Olympic team in the 100 fly, but the field will be loaded with the likes of Matthew Temple, Shaun Champion, Jesse Coleman, Cody Simpson, and maybe even Kyle Chalmers.

The newly-minted world champion, Isaac Cooper, did not contest this event. He opted to swim the 100 free instead, where he qualified for the final with a respectable 49.97.

In This Story

Alexander Graham
Ariarne Titmus
Brendon Smith
Bronte Campbell
Cameron McEvoy
Cate Campbell
Clyde Lewis
Cody Simpson
Emma McKeon
Kaylee McKeown
Kyle Chalmers
Lani Pallister
Madeline Groves
Matt Wilson
Matthew Temple
Minna Atherton
Mollie O'Callaghan
Sam Short