Matt Wilson narrowly missed qualifying for the Rio Olympics in the 200m breaststroke on Monday night, but he still has a chance of selection at the discretion of Australian Olympic Committee selectors.
The 17-year-old from Springwood won the 200m breaststroke final at the Australian Swimming Championships in a blistering 2.09.90, a personal best and the fifth fastest in the world this year, but just 0.26 seconds shy of qualification.
Wilson will wait with baited breath for the Australian Olympic swimming team announcement on Thursday.
Mum Maree Wilson, in Adelaide with her son, was so proud. “It was an awesome swim,” she said.
“He was very pleased with gold.”
While disappointed he didn't make the qualifying time, Mrs Wilson said Matt was stoked to swim under 2.10 for the first time.
“It was an amazing effort,” she said. “The Commonwealth Games in 2018 was always his original goal. 2016 would be a bonus, it was never on the cards to start with."
Wilson also competed in the 100m breaststroke at the championships placing third in the finals on Friday in 1.00.54, from Queenslander Jake Packard who clinched gold in 59.65.
Wilson’s times in both events have qualified him for the Junior Pan Pacifics Championships in Hawaii in August. A team announcement will be made in a few weeks.
