Americans Caeleb Dressel and Nathan Adrian were looking for a second medal of these Olympic Games in a discipline that involved 100 meters. Dressel and Adrian were part of the 400 free relay team that won gold for the United States. Adrian was the defending gold medalist in the event and hoped to successfully defend it.
Adrian went on to take the bronze medal in the race for the fastest man in the pool as Kyle Chalmers of Australia won the gold with a time of 47.58. Chalmers’ victory was Australia’s first win in this event in 48 years. Pieter Timmers of Belgium took the silver, the country’s first-ever medal in this event.
The Field
Brazil had their own rooting interest as Marcelo Chierighini was in the event as one of the final qualifiers. Duncan Scott was one of the youngsters of this event at 19-years-old and was hoping to get another medal after winning silver in the 4x200 free relay. Santo Condorelli of Canada was hoping to medal, just like countryman Brent Hayden did four years ago, but all eyes were in the center of the pool with the two Australians surrounding Adrian. Cameron McEvoy scratched out of the 4x200 free relay to focus on this event, and countryman Kyle Chalmers was opposite him in Lane 5 with Adrian in Lane 4.
Condorelli Leads Early
The Canadian who was in Lane 6 took it out very fast, establishing himself as the early leader before the only turn of the race. He was just under World Record pace by .05 seconds as the Americans were 2-3 at the wall with Adrian in second.
Chalmers Comes From Behind For Gold
Condorelli taking it out extremely fast gave him a good shot at a medal could he hold on. Adrian was breathing to his right, allowing him to see both Chalmers and Condorelli. The closing speed of the 18-year-old Aussie was something to marvel at as he was one of the slowest off the blocks and seventh at the turn and made up the ground for potential gold.
Chalmers and Adrian were close, but the Aussie proved he was ready for the big stage, winning gold. Condorelli missed out on a medal by .03 seconds to Adrian while Dressel finished in sixth with a time of 48.02.
