Australia is world record holder in the event, setting a mark of 7:37.50 in last year’s World Championships in Fukuoka. Victory in Paris has been in sight since claiming bronze in Tokyo. 

The team swam 7:45.63 in the second of two heats to beat Hungary and China.

Lani Pallister missed her 1500m Freestyle after contracting COVID but did not miss a beat in the lead-off leg, splitting 1:55.74 to make a compelling case to be drafted into the final quartet for the final. 

Brianna Throssell was the second-fastest out of the Australians (1:55.82), followed by Jamie Perkins (1:56.78) and Shayna Jack (1:57.29).

Kayle McKeown was in cruise control in her heat of the 200m Backstroke, winning in 2:08.89 to be the third-quickest through to the semis as she pursues the 100m-200m Backstroke double. Jaclyn Barclay just missed progressing and was ranked 17th after a 2:10.53.

Cam McEvoy looked in brilliant early touch as he finally got in the pool in the heats of the 50m Freestyle. He swam a 21.32 to be the fastest man through to the semis, with a great swim from Ben Armbruster (21.86) taking him through in eighth.

Both William Petric (1:58.84) and Tommy Neill (1:59.13) navigated their 200m IM heats and progressed in 11th and 14th spot.

Phil Lutton