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Just who is James Magnussen?

James Magnussen, the newly crowned swimming sprint king, aims to break Cesar Cielo’s “supersuit” world record after his impressive ascent to securing the 100m freestyle world title.

At just 20 years old, James Magnussen has made history as the first Australian male to win this prestigious event at world championships, positioning himself as a strong contender to become the first Aussie to win the Olympic 100m freestyle title since Michael Wenden in 1968.

The swimmer from Port Macquarie was the frontrunner, and he certainly delivered.

Starting fifth at the halfway mark, he showcased his renowned strong finish, clocking in at 47.63 seconds, leaving Brent Hayden of Canada (47.95) and France’s William Meynard (48.00) behind.

Controversial Brazilian Cielo finished fourth with a time of 48.01 in a competitive final.

Following his outstanding performances in Shanghai — which included clocking 47.49 seconds in the fastest 100m swim while in a textile suit, leading Australia’s gold medal-winning 4x100m freestyle team — “The Missile” now has his eyes set on Cielo’s world record of 46.91 seconds, established in a polyurethane suit during the infamous 2009 world championships in Rome.

Only a year ago, Eamon Sullivan, who earned an Olympic silver medal for Australia, predicted that some sprint records from the era of the controversial supersuit might last indefinitely.

However, Magnussen is optimistic about surpassing Cielo’s record.

“I think if anyone had mentioned that world record before this event, people would have laughed,” Magnussen stated.

“Yet, after that relay split the other night, that record seems much more attainable.

“Whether it’s next year or as we approach Rio, it’s definitely something I can aim for in the future.

“And there’s still much room for me to improve.

“Being the youngest competitor tonight, I feel like the sky’s the limit regarding the potential for world records in the 100 freestyle.”

Magnussen’s victory marked a significant shift from being a reserved country boy and relay swimmer to a formidable competitor, with Australia’s team coach, Leigh Nugent, describing him as a “battleship” capable of overwhelming his rivals.

Inspired by former Australian sprinters, especially the Ian Thorpe-led relay team that triumphed at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Magnussen expressed his pride this evening.

“It was a really proud moment,” he remarked.

“Australian men’s swimming has faced challenges recently, especially in sprinting.

“I’m aware this holds great significance back in Australia, and it’s a monumental moment for Australian swimming.”

Who is James Magnussen?

Age: 20
Born: April 11, 1991, Port Macquarie, NSW
Resides: Sydney
Height: 195cm
Weight: 90kg
Coach: Brant Best

Previous career highlights:

  • Was part of the gold medal-winning 4x100m freestyle relay team at the 2011 world championships in Shanghai, swimming the lead-out leg.
  • Claimed victory in the 100m freestyle at the 2011 Australian championships, marking his first national title.
  • Captured gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay after swimming the anchor leg at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
  • Secured bronze in the 100m freestyle during the 2010 Australian championships, earning a spot on his first senior Australian team for the 2010 Pan Pacs.
  • Competitively swam the anchor leg for the silver medal-winning 4x100m freestyle relay team at the 2010 Pan Pacs.

by Buford Balony

 

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