SWIMMING: McEvoy says Australian swimming is building toward Brisbane 2032

MELBOURNE — World record holder Cameron McEvoy believes Australian swimming is entering a golden era that could reach its peak when the country hosts the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, after witnessing the depth of talent displayed at the Commonwealth Games.

Australia has won 23 of the first 35 swimming events in Glasgow, putting the Dolphins on track for their most successful Commonwealth Games campaign in the pool.

Olympic champion McEvoy, who captured the men's 50-meter freestyle title in 20.97 seconds on Monday, said the team's continued improvement provides confidence heading into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the Brisbane Games four years later.

"Every year as a team, we go incredibly well. I think we peak every year — and then we come back the year after and we just take one step forward," McEvoy told Australian media.

"So it's a really good spot for LA, but even better for Brisbane 2032."

"Our team right now is incredible, but there are a lot of youngsters at the national age-group level, or ones who just missed this team, who will come through in their prime by Brisbane 2032."

"So the runway's looking pretty red-hot."

The 32-year-old swimmer is targeting a defense of his Olympic 50-meter freestyle title at Los Angeles and hopes to compete at a sixth Olympics in Brisbane if he remains able to perform at the highest level.

McEvoy said his second sub-21-second 50-meter freestyle swim gave him confidence that he can continue competing among the world's best. He remains the only swimmer to break the 21-second mark in the post-"Supersuit" era.

"Knowing it's not a one-off makes me very confident going into the future," he said.

"By the time LA comes around, it's not so much about doing the best time, it's about getting your hand on the wall first."

"But if the ceiling is high enough, I'll have good confidence to know that I don't have to do a super-human performance to be in a good shot to medal or to win it." -Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Shri Navaratnam./Reuters