COCHRANE’S TWO MEDALS ADD TO ALL- TIME RECORD HAUL
Ryan Cochrane is the undeniable poster child for Canada’s swimming medal hopes at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
On Sunday, Cochrane captured his second bronze medal of the world championships, in the 1,500-metre freestyle.
Combined with his 400-metre bronze from earlier in the meet, that brings Cochrane’s all-time total to eight, best in Canadian history.
After the race, Canada’s lone swimming superstar sounded pleased, but hardly ecstatic, as he traversed the mixed zone.
“It’s great to get on the podium,” said the pride of Victoria, B.C. “It’s not the colour I wanted, but it almost kind of incites extra fire from within for the Olympic year.”
Gold appeared within Cochrane’s reach Sunday when world champion Sun Yang failed to report to the final. The Chinese delegation later said Yang had chest pains, but media reports suggested an altercation with a Brazilian swimmer during warm-up might have played a part.
Despite Yang’s absence — and an empty third lane — Cochrane could not touch the wall first.
“We all thought he would just show up late,” Cochrane said of his chief rival. “When he didn’t, it was surprising. I’m a little disappointed in myself, because I think it would have been a good chance to try to win.”
Cochrane started off strong, in world-record pace through 400 metres.
Gregorio Paltrinieri took the lead at 500 metres and never looked back, winning in 14:39.67.
Connor Jaeger of the United States finished second in 14:41.20. Cochrane clocked 14:51.08 for bronze.
“I think my times from all year have gotten better in all my training,” Cochrane said. “It didn’t quite translate here. But the ultimate goal is the Olympics. I think I’ve worked 10 years for that.”
Some Pan-Am countries chose to forego the Toronto experience to prepare solely for the world championships. Not so for Canada, and Cochrane admitted to feeling a little weary from a heavy workload.
Not to be understated is the impact of the death of his coach Randy Bennett in April after a brief battle with cancer.
“It’s indirectly been really hard,” Cochrane said.
“We went back to work right after Randy passed away, because that’s what he would want us to do. I think we did everything possible to be the best athletes we could be in the water. We really pushed ourselves.
“But that being said, the emotional toll by the end of the year was tough.”
With rest and time to recharge, Cochrane expects to push for gold in Rio.
“I just think with our Pan Ams and then into world championships it was just a long go,” he said.
“I don’t want to make excuses, I think Paltrinieri is the one to beat for next year and it’s going to be a very hardfought battle for that medal. But I really think I can expect best times next year with a simpler schedule.”