Speed king Cameron McEvoy has urged World Aquatics to make the 25m freestyle sprint an official event, arguing it adds excitement to the sport and will be embraced by fans.
The Australian reigning Olympic and world 50m champion thrashed home in a blistering 9.36 seconds at the Australian short-course championships on Thursday evening.
While the crowd in Melbourne was whipped into a frenzy, the lightning quick time will not be recognised as it was only an exhibition race.
Currently, 50m is the shortest officially recognised freestyle event.
“I would love World Aquatics to recognise the 25m and times across the world and for a 25m world record to be ratified, something that can set a standard for us to chase and to change,” McEvoy said.
“It could be part of World Cups … it is an event the world can get behind. It’s unique, novel and definitely adds excitement to the sport.
“I haven’t seen that much buzz around a competition or an event, in swimming in a very long time,” he added of his swim in Melbourne. “I just want speed. And I think the crowd loves to see speed.”
McEvoy was the only man in the field to dip under the 10-second barrier.
Swimming Australia chief Rob Woodhouse acknowledged the 25m had been “enormously successful” and was destined to be included at future Australian events given the crowd response.
Author
World Cup News
-
FIFA World Cup
/ 34 minutes agoGhosts of Gijon linger as new World Cup format encourages collusion
Algeria have waited 44 years for a shot at World Cup revenge against Austria,...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 hours agoRed or green? For Brazil, the politics of World Cup kits matter
When Brazil faces Scotland in the World Cup on Wednesday, the South American team's...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 3 hours agoDream job: US soccer fans paid to watch every World Cup game
It might just be the greatest job in the world. But for the two...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 days ago‘Has-been’ Belgium stars scorched after Iran World Cup draw
Belgian media on Monday lambasted the Red Devils' lacklustre scoreless World Cup draw against...
By AFP