The Campbell sisters have become the first siblings to make an Australian swimming team together since 1972.
Swimmer Cate Campbell booked an individual spot in the 100m freestyle with sister Bronte for the Rio Olympics later this year.
The Brisbane sisters finished first and second at the Olympic trials in Adelaide last night with Cate swimming a time of 52.38 and Bronte touching the wall two-tenths of a second after.
The world record for the event was set in 2009 by German swimmer Britta Steffen at a time of 52.07.
“It’s so special – to be able to compete in a relay together – that was always our dream. It’s the time we can swim together instead of against each other, so that will be really great,” Cate said.
Securing the top two positions mean the sisters not only against each other in the event but will also make them top contenders to swim together in the 4x100m freestyle relay.
Other finals on Wednesday night saw world champion Mitch Larkin win the 200 backstroke, qualifying for a second Rio event. He had already qualified for the 100m. Competing alongside Larkin will be Joshua Beaver, 23, from Victoria, making his Olympic debut.
Tonight’s finals will see youngster Cameron McEvoy and Matt Abood fight for the top spot in the men’s 50m freestyle. It will also be James Magnussen’s last chance to qualify for the Rio Olympics in an individual event. – Jessica Best
Image of Campbell sisters celebrating from Australian Dolphin’s Swim Team Facebook.
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