Australia’s Flynn Southam has officially announced his arrival on the international scene, causing a major upset on the fifth night of finals at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre – winning his first major individual gold medal in the 100m freestyle.
The 21-year-old from Queensland’s Gold Coast stole a march on the field – splitting 22.62 at the 50m turn and was never headed as he powered down the second lap to narrowly miss his own Games record to clock his second fastest time ever, 47.13 to win a very impressive final.
Taking the gold from fast finishing Welshman Matt Richards in 47.64, with his Dolphins teammate defending champion and 2016 Olympic champion and his mentor, Kyle Chalmers just 0.10 behind in third in 47.74.
Southam had signaled his intentions here in Glasgow with a sizzling Games record lead off in Australia’s Games record winning 4x100m freestyle relay with his 47.09 on the opening night and he has been in the zone ever since – finishing second to world record holder Cam McEvoy in the 50m freestyle two nights ago.
