We’ve got US covered: Campbell
THE national coach may not be convinced but Cate Campbell is adamant Australia has struck a major blow to world No.1 United States’ confidence at the Pan Pacs ahead of Tokyo 2020.
Campbell has enjoyed a golden Pan Pacs in Tokyo, with four golds ahead of last night’s 50m freestyle final, which she qualified fastest for. She clocked 24.41 seconds, just 0.06 of a second ahead of fellow Australian Emma McKeon.
Ahead of the four-day meet’s finale, Campbell has a personal haul of three gold — half of Australia’s total gold tally of six to date.
Australia trails only the United States, which still dominated with 11 gold. Yet Campbell believed the allconquering Americans were now looking over their shoulders ahead of Tokyo 2020.
“I would say we have definitely put them on notice,” she said.
“They came into this with their chests all puffed out, and we have kind of taken a little wind out of their sails which has been really nice.
“There are a few less choruses of ‘USA’ every time they walk past which is always really nice.”
Campbell has clearly regained her confidence at her first meet against the Americans since her shock sixth placing in the Rio 100m final that prompted her to take 2017 off.
“I think that this team has performed way beyond expectations and we’ve really stuck it to people (with) the girls winning all three of the relays so far — on paper America should be miles ahead of us,” she said.
“It just goes to show the grit, determination and the spirit that is really alive in the team and it is wonderful to be a part of it again.”
But Australian head coach Jacco Verhaeren baulked at Campbell’s call, saying he was wary of results at a Pan Pacs meet that doubled as the Americans’ 2019 world titles trials.
“I am definitely not here to comment on the USA results because I do think they are a competition within a competition,” he said.
“No doubt that has had a big impact on their team dynamics. Where they used to come together as a team they are now racing each other for a spot on the world championships team.”