Australian swimming champion Emily Seebohm‘s bid to become a five-time Olympian in Paris is over, but the Olympic debut of a rising star now awaits.
Seebohm, 32 and a first-time mum, fell short in the women’s 200m backstroke final at Australia’s Paris 2024 trials on Thursday night.
But in the same race before a raucous crowd at Brisbane Aquatic Centre, a 17-year-old by the name of Jaclyn Barclay secured her pass for an Olympic debut.
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Kaylee McKeown, the reigning Olympic gold medallist in the 200m backstroke, took victory with a time of 2:03.30.
The 22-year-old fell short of her own world record by just 0.16 of a second.
Barclay locked up second place with a time of 2:07.88, beating Swimming Australia’s Olympic qualification time by almost two seconds.
Seebohm, who made her Olympic debut at the age of 16 at the Beijing 2008 Games, finished fifth.
Having failed to qualify for the Paris Games in the 100m backstroke on Tuesday night, the three-time Olympic gold medallist’s only remaining avenue to the Dolphins team was the 200m backstroke.
Watch Australia’s Paris 2024 swimming trials on Nine and 9Now.
Barclay, almost half Seebohm’s age, was elated as she spoke to reporters moments after her brilliant swim.
“To be able to race these girls is incredible and to achieve any athlete’s dream to make the Olympics, I’m still in a bit of shock, to be honest,” Barclay said.
“It was incredible to touch the wall and see I was second. I couldn’t believe it. I was really happy with my time, as well.”
Seebohm, freestyle great Cate Campbell and breaststroke champion Leisel Jones have all contested four Olympic Games.
Campbell will become the first Australian swimmer to make a fifth Olympic appearance if she qualifies in the 100m or 50m freestyle, scheduled for Friday and Saturday respectively.
The 32-year-old could miss out on an individual spot but make the 100m freestyle relay team.