Chalmers almost gave up swimming
KYLE Chalmers has revealed he was close to quitting swimming just seven weeks ago as he attempted to explain a sudden change of heart that has put Cody Simpson’s spot on the Australian swim team in jeopardy.
Simpson finished third behind Matt Temple and Chalmers in the 100m butterfly at the selection trials on Wednesday night, but with Chalmers planning to skip the world titles in Budapest it was believed the former singer had completed a dream transition from music star to Dolphin on the Australian team.
However, Chalmers has since changed his plans and expressed a desire to race in Budapest leaving Simpson’s Australian swim team dreams in tatters. His spot on the Commonwealth Games team remains under threat with a nervous wait until Sunday where a team of 46 swimmers will be named.
The late change of mind by Chalmers has created headlines, not the least because Simpson is dating Chalmers’ ex-girlfriend and Olympic star Emma McKeon.
But Chalmers attempted to explain on Thursday night, then took to social media to further list his reasons for wanting to race at worlds.
“Just wanting to clear the air and also keep this short. 7 weeks ago, I was not swimming and had no intentions of swimming this season if ever again,” Chalmers wrote on Instagram.
“I needed to find myself away from the pool and find my love and enjoyment for swimming again.
“For me getting back in the pool, changing the stimulation and swimming some butterfly which I grew up doing helped me find that passion again!
“I’ve dreamed of being a butterflyer and racing it internationally my whole career, my body has just never allowed me to do so (it’s nice to have finally earned the opportunity).
“I can be made out to be the villain but just like everyone who stands behind the blocks I want to win and represent my country at the highest level.’’
RACE 6 TAB BRC SPRINT (1350M)
Super tough! Happy to spec Dawn Passage ($16) after his good run in the Archer. Might be back this prep and he did race very well in a Golden Eagle on Heavy ground as a four-year- old. Bolted in the only time we saw him at Doomben. Think he’s over the odds. Soxagon ($7.50) was superb at the Gold Coast and has come back better than ever. Think he can show himself to be a Stradbroke contender in this. Taksu ($6) is the genuine mudlark and form around him keeps stacking up. Oscar Zulu ($12) had no luck at Gosford and handles wet ground. There’s other chances as well, but happy going with that quartet. SELECTIONS:
5 Dawn Passage, 12 Taksu, 3 Soxagon, 8 Oscar Zulu
RACE 7 XXXX DOOMBEN CUP (2000M)
It really does look a Zaaki benefit, even if he’s not really at home on these wet tracks. He did a few things wrong at the Gold Coast, but still managed to get the job done reasonably comfortably in the end and we know his lone go at Doomben was quite spectacular. I think the $1.50 is a generous price given the massive class advantage he has on every single one of his rivals. As the track gets further into the Heavy range, Polly Grey ($8) becomes the clear second pick. She’s a ripper in the mud and ran very well in the Hollindale. Tipping the same first four with Kukeracha ($12) and Huetor ($11) next best.
SELECTIONS:
1 Zaaki
RACE 8 ANZ BLOODSTOCK NEWS THE ROSES
(2000M)
Barb Raider ($3.70) failed at her lone go on Heavy ground, so risking her to some degree if they opt to start. Think
Biscayne Bay ($12) is way over the odds. Ran well in the ATC Oaks last start on Heavy ground, which followed her placing in the VRC Oaks last November. That’s strong form for this and she’s only had two runs back this prep, so should still have a bit of upside. Expect Gin Martini ($16) to give another good sight on speed. She was fair enough at the Gold Coast and think the extra trip will be a plus for her. Belle Savoir ($9) is progressing nicely this prep and might be ready for the 2000m now.
SELECTIONS:
2 Biscayne Bay, 4 Gin Martini,
8 Belle Savoir, 1 Barb Raider
RACE 9 IMPRESSU DARBY MCCARTHY (1110M)
Tough finish! Kalashnikov ($9.50) has trialled like a bomb twice this year. Unproven wet? Hamlet Von Snitzel ($12) comes back from 1300m, but it was a strong race and a testing 1110m will see him strong at the end.
Rubiquitous ($4.60) beat some good horses here four weeks back, handling the Heavy ground. Draws to get his chance again. Miss Hipstar ($10) ran well in that race and then battled on okay in the Gold Coast Guineas. Like her back to 1110m off the good gate.
Zavaboom ($4.60) comes back in distance out of the same race as Hamlet Von Snitzel and that suits him. Unknown on genuinely wet ground.
SELECTIONS:
12 Miss Hipstar, 6 Hamlet Von Snitzel, 2 Rubiquitous, 1 Kalashnikov, 7 Zavaboom