Champ hits straps despite adversity

IT could yet prove to be the making of Cameron McEvoy’s Commonwealth Games.

Feeling “absolutely horrible” in the water and coming off the back of a shock last placing in the final of the 200m, McEvoy prepared to climb the blocks for the 100m final at the national trials last week having to put full faith in the hundreds of races he has completed in his pet event.

The fastest man in history a textile suit, the Gold in Coast swimmer has been criticised in the past for failing under the spotlight.

A Games ambassador and one of the faces of the Gold Coast event, McEvoy was suddenly facing the real possibility of missing an individual swim.

But he delivered in an effort that could provide a mental boost at next month’s Games, touching the wall third behind Olympic gold medallist Kyle Chalmers and rising teen star Jack Cartwright.

“I think being able to back up after that 200m final and post the fastest time in the heats of the 100m free while still feeling quite fatigued was quite encouraging,” McEvoy said.

“I remember I was behind the blocks and I was able to just push everything out and just know that I’ve done the 100m freestyle so many times that I could trust that even not in the right circumstances I can still do what I have to do to move forward.”

While he said he would have to analyse his trials form, it seems misfiring taper could be a factor, with most of Australia’s big names trying to balance the need to seal spots on the team with wanting to be at their best at the Games.

“The good thing is between now and the Games it’s all maintenance and that makes it a lot easier to freshen up and hit that,” he said.

“One thing that has been great is I’ve had to step up against arguably some of the best swimmers in the world and while I’m not feeling great and get my spot on the team.

“I’ve been able to do that, which is a good testament for myself to know that I can step up and do that from now on, when I’m feeling absolutely horrible in the water technically and physically.

“Commonwealth Games is (four) weeks away and that’s always been the main goal.”

THE GOOD THING IS BETWEEN NOW AND THE GAMES IT’S ALL MAINTENANCE AND THAT MAKES IT A LOT EASIER TO FRESHEN UP