Kyle Chalmers’ 100m freestyle (25m) world record remains untouched as the world’s fastest swimmers battle to break the mark

Almost exactly three years have passed since then Kyle Chalmers After breaking the men’s 100m freestyle short course world record, the Australian’s mark remains as impressive – and untouchable – as it was back then.

A three-time Olympic medalist in the long course 100m freestyle, Chalmers set a short course world record 44.84 during the FINA World Swimming Championships on October 29, 2021. It was a record that had been intact for almost 13 years up to that point and was set by France Amaury Leveaux in December 2008.

While Chalmers would like to match and surpass Levaeux’s record, many swimmers are lining up to topple that mark.

Pan Zhanle from the People’s Republic of China won the gold medal from Chalmers in Paris 2024 with a world record time and is also one of the top contenders in the short distance competition World Aquatic Swimming Championships 2024. At the first stop in Shanghai he took silver 46.35behind Italy Thomas Ceccon that touched the wall 46.32.

Ceccon did not take part in the event at the second stop in Incheon, opening the door for Australia Jamie Jack to claim his first international medal at the event 46.48 seconds.

Pieter Coetze Chalmers’ record is also getting closer and closer. The South African has proven to be a consistent performer at the World Championships, finishing third in both Shanghai and Incheon with 46.59 and 46.74 on the clock respectively.

The competition promises to get even hotter as swimmers complete the World Cup season in Singapore and get in top shape for the World Cup World Water Swimming Championships (25 m)which will take place from December 10th to 15th in Budapest, Hungary.

Will Kyle Chalmers’ record stand up to the pressure? The next few weeks will show.