Article by Chris Robinson, courtesy of The West Australian.
Relay bronze a lightning-quick redemption for Aussie.
Some swimmers never get the chance for Olympic redemption after producing an effort that’s below their best.
Some have an agonising four-year wait for their shot at turning it around.
For Elijah Winnington, that wait was thankfully much, much shorter: just one hour.
The 24-year-old Queenslander struggled in the 800m freestyle final midway through day four’s evening session at Paris’ La Defense Arena, finishing last and a whopping 10.17 seconds behind winner Daniel Wiffen from Ireland.
But there was no time to wallow, as he backed up as part of Australia’s 4x200m freestyle relay unit.
And redemption was coloured bronze as the team earned their place on the podium with an impressive effort behind Great Britain and the US.
Speaking after the race, Winnington said his teammates Max Giuliani, Flynn Southam, and Tommy Neill had been the key to turning his fortunes around and producing a blistering split of 1.45.19.
“You’ve got to step up for the boys and for your country,” Winnington said.
“The 800 wasn’t what I wanted —I was much slower than the heat — but I had to turn it around for the 200.
“I kind of just went for it (in the 800m), but it just didn’t stick. I had to turn that around, went back into the warm-down pool and reset. And that’s the fastest split I’ve ever done for a 200, so I’m really happy. It was good having these boys with me for encouragement. It’s a new race, and I just had to step up. I treated it like I was fresh again.”
The medal was Winnington’s second of the week after he snared silver in the 400m freestyle on the opening night of action.
The close nature of the Aussie relay quartet was evident when they spoke after receiving their medals — dubbed “dirty golds” by Neill.
With each team member aged 24 or younger, their sights are firmly set on launching for the ultimate success at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
“The future’s so bright. I think the next Olympic cycle is ours,” Southam said. “We’re so committed to this team and making Australia proud.”
