Australians Shine on the Podium as World Aquatics Trials Innovative Format at World Short Course Championships

Aussie swimmers Alexandria Perkins and Matt Temple shared a heartfelt moment as they met on the third step of the podium during the medal ceremony for the 100m butterfly at the World Short Course Championships.

Both athletes secured bronze medals in their finals before coming together to celebrate on the podium.

At this championship, World Aquatics is experimenting with joint medal ceremonies for the men’s and women’s events.

Perkins added another bronze to her collection in Budapest, clocking an Oceania and national record time of 55.10 seconds.

American swimmer Gretchen Walsh secured the gold with a world record performance, while Dutch competitor Tessa Giele rounded out the podium.

Fellow Australian Lily Price achieved a commendable 7th place finish in her inaugural senior international final.

After making her Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games, Perkins is enjoying one of the finest meets of her swimming career.

Her bronze in the 100m butterfly complements her earlier third place in the women’s 50m butterfly and a silver in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay.

“I’m really proud of my performance… to race against someone like Gretchen Walsh, who is such an extraordinary athlete, is inspiring,” Perkins remarked after the event.

Temple also earned his bronze in a race that saw Swiss swimmer Noe Ponti set a world record of 47.71 seconds, with France’s Maxime Grousset taking silver.

“Winning a medal at the World Championships is an incredible achievement,” Temple commented after his race.

“After coming off the Olympic Games, getting back in the water is always a challenge. Competing in the World Cup was excellent preparation for this meet, and I can’t complain about being just 0.1 seconds off my personal best.”

“To be here and perform so close to my best while securing a medal has given me a renewed sense of motivation and urgency for what’s ahead.”

Temple also participated in the inaugural mixed 4×100m medley relay, where Australia finished in fourth place.

With one final session remaining at the World Short Course Championships, medallists Lani Pallister, Leah Neale, Meg Harris, Max Giuliani, and Ed Sommerville will be back in the pool overnight.