Forrester smashes 400m record as Southam shines in Sydney

Jenna Forrester has lowered the Australian women's 400m individual medley record to 4:28.39, claiming gold at the Australian Short Course Championships in Sydney. The 23-year-old's time took 0.33 seconds off the 17-year-old mark set by Ellen Fullerton and comfortably met the qualifying standard for the upcoming world championships in Beijing.

Forrester's remarkable achievement

Forrester's achievement was all the more impressive given she had only just competed in the 200 backstroke, finishing second to Iona Anderson, also swimming under the qualification time for Beijing. Iona Anderson held on to beat a fast-finishing Forrester in the 200m backstroke.

"That was a shock. I came here with no expectations, just to jump in and have a bit of fun," Forrester said after the race.

"I haven't done a lot of short course and that hurt doubling up [with the 200m backstroke] but I've done a lot of double-ups, especially internationally."

Forrester has already had a standout year, claiming three individual gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in the 200m backstroke, 200m IM and 400m IM, as well as winning bronze in the 400m freestyle. She also won silver in the 400m IM at the Pan Pacs in California behind Canadian superstar Summer McIntosh.

With just 24 athletes set to be selected for the team heading to China, Forrester has put her hand up for a spot. "I've always wanted to represent Australia at [the World] short course," Forrester said. "Hopefully this year is my year."

Southam delivers statement win

In the men's 100m freestyle, Commonwealth Games champ Flynn Southam cruised to victory with a rapid 45.61. "It's good to back up after Comm Games and be consistent but it's been pretty hard to stay motivated," Southam said.

"I'm pretty stoked with that time, to be honest … bring on the World Champs."

Southam, who won gold in the 4x50m freestyle relay at the 2022 short course worlds in Melbourne, is eyeing up an individual medal in Beijing. "The last time I raced short course was the worlds in Melbourne four years ago so I'm really looking forward to racing the big dogs," he said.

"Comm Games was a good taste test for me with Matt Richards [Wales] and obviously Kyle [Chalmers]. I know David Popovici [Romania's Olympic 200m champion] isn't doing worlds but Jack Alexy [USA] is someone else on my list who I'm looking forward to racing."

"As for expectation — bring on the pressure. Sometimes it does make me nervous, but I love it, and I breathe it."

Other winners

Olivia Wunsch claimed the 100m free by almost a second and a half in a dominant performance. Wunsch needed a personal best of 51.72 to beat Lani Pallister into silver.

"It was pretty special to go under 52 for the first time. Doing 52 at World Cups last year was nice, but I think I surprised myself a little bit off the sort of short prep I've had into short course," Wunsch said.

Rowan Crothers claimed a second victory of the week following his world record on Tuesday, equaling his national record to beat S10 rival Alex Tuckwell into silver in the men's multiclass 50m freestyle.

"I'm blessed to be Australian and to have the chance to race the best in the world over and over again at these meets … watch this space because we'll be sharing a podium in LA," Tuckfield said.

"Bloody exciting"

was all two-time Paralympic champion Crothers had to say about his rival's speed.