TRIALS DAY 4 Preview: Chalmers inspired by McEvoy

SWIMMERS’ SIX PACK HEATS DAY 4:

Inspired by Cam McEvoy’s success after he turned 30, Kyle Chalmers is embarking on his own mission to beat Father Time and execute the perfect race. Today the Big Tuna features in his signature event, the 100m free.

Tonight, Lani Pallister headlines the women’s 800m free. Keep an eye on the clock – Pallister is in form to challenge her own Australian record.

Kyle Chalmers | Marion, SA – Men’s 100m Freestyle
The entire field swam under 50 seconds in the men’s 100m freestyle final at the Australian Open but it was 27-year-old dad and defending Commonwealth Games champion Kyle Chalmers who unleashed his trademark closing speed to edge Flynn Southam and Kai Taylor for the win. Jamie Jack also backing up after last night’s Games-changing 50m sprint.

Lakeisha ‘Lucky’ Patterson | USC Spartans, QLD – Women’s 400m Freestyle MC
This decorated Dolphin is returning where it all began. Lucky Patterson made her debut at 15 at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and now headlines the Dolphins’ 18-strong para line-up for Glasgow 2026 – her fourth Commonwealth Games. She arrives in form after defending her 400m freestyle S9 world title at the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships by more than three seconds.

Will Petric | Nunawading, VIC – Men’s 200m Individual Medley
One of Australia’s premier IM swimmers Will Petric heads the field but also racing today is a glimpse of the future with Leny Grigor, in the third heat. Only 16, Grigor won four gold medals at the Age Championships in April – the 200-400 IM double, and the 100-200 breaststroke events – and will compete at the Junior Pan Pacs later this year.

Hannah Fredericks | St Peters Western, QLD – Women’s 200m Backstroke
A latecomer to the sport, Hannah Fredericks has emerged as a rising backstroke force. She secured selection the 2025 World Championships team alongside the G.O.A.T. Kaylee McKeown and the pair went 1-2 in the 200m backstroke at this year’s Australian Open.  An unwell McKeown has said she feels “86-years-old” but that hasn’t stopped her winning the 50m and 100m back this week.

Brenden Hall | USC Spartans, QLD – Men’s 400m Freestyle MC
Five-time Paralympian Brenden Hall has been a consistent leader of the Dolphins team for over a decade.  The highly decorated Dolphin claimed his 12th world championship medal with 400m freestyle S9 bronze last year and produced one of his best results in eight years in the event. The 32-year-old will have teenage titan Callum Simpson, the reigning Australian Age MC champion and S8 world championship bronze medallist, lining up beside him today.

Lizzy Dekkers | St Peters Western, QLD – Women’s 200m Fly
St Peters’ Lizzy Dekkers was a late addition to the 2025 World Championship team and overcame injury to win 200m butterfly bronze on the world stage. One of the fastest fliers in the world and the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, Dekkers is on track to defend her crown.