Max Giuliani completed a Tasmanian set of Olympic medals as Australia finished third in the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay.
The Hobart 21-year-old’s bronze medal followed gold and silvers won by fellow Tasmanian freestyler Ariarne Titmus earlier in the program in Paris.
Gold Coast-based Giuliani swam an opening leg of 1:45.99 before Flynn Southam (1:45.53) briefly had the Aussies in front. Backing up from his individual 800m, Elijah Winnington (1:45.19) handed over in third with Tom Neill (1:45.27) holding that position on the anchor leg.
The Australians recorded a time of 7:01.98 to finish 2.55 seconds behind Great Britain who defended their title with the same line-up which won in Tokyo. USA claimed the silver medal, finishing 1.20 seconds clear of the Aussies.
“I just love lifting for the boys,” said Giuliani, who was swimming his fourth 200m in as many days.
“It’s not just your pride on the line, it’s everyone and you’ve really got to get up, put your best foot forward and do what you can. Tonight that was enough for bronze which was epic."
“We’ve got the best team of boys here and we’re all young - 2028’s our year and it’s so epic. I couldn’t be prouder of us, that was such a good job.”
Giuliani, who finished seventh in his maiden Olympic final over the same distance, had sat out the relay heats when Australia finished second, half a second behind Great Britain.
Swapping Hobart Aquatic Club for the Miami Swimming Club when he moved to Queensland in 2022, Giuliani claimed World Cup medals in Hungary, Greece and Germany before announcing himself by qualifying for Paris with 200m victory at this year’s Australian Olympic trials in Brisbane.
Josh Beltz is relishing his second Olympic campaign.
In a stark contrast to the crowd-less COVID experience in Tokyo three years ago, the 29-year-old and his Kookaburras teammates are enjoying bumper crowds at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris.
Colin Batch’s team suffered their first loss, going down 6-2 in the 2021 gold medal final rematch against Belgium, but Beltz said the team has settled quickly in the French capital.
“We are loving Paris and the environment the Australian Olympic team has created here in the village,” he said.
“Having family and friends here is great, and we are relishing that after missing it so much in Tokyo. It’s always nice to run out and see the green and gold in the stadium.”
The DiamondBacks product, who now has 122 international appearances to his name, said early victories over Argentina and Ireland had given the team a strong foundation to build on.
“Argentina were a tough opponent to play in our opening match, and we had to defend quite well to keep them out.”
In a match-up of the reigning Olympic and World League champions, penalty corner conversion rate cost the Aussies as both sides were handed eight opportunities but the Belgians scored three to Australia’s zero.
Tom Boon claimed a classy hat-trick with Alexander Hendrickx, Florent van Aubel and Antoine Kina completing their scoring as Belgium guaranteed a quarter-final berth.
Lachlan Sharp and Blake Govers hit back for the Kookaburras who will complete their Pool B fixtures against New Zealand and India on Thursday and Friday respectively.
Competing in his fifth Olympics, Australia’s opening ceremony flag-bearer Eddie Ockenden, 37, extended his national appearance record to 448 in the match.
Beltz said he was also delighted to see a third Tasmanian featuring on the Olympic hockey program with Hobart teenager Maddison Brooks promoted from travelling reserve to feature in the Hockeyroos’ opening-round win over South Africa.
“Yeah it’s great to see Maddi get her opportunity,” he said.
“I know she would have been preparing on the chance that the team needed her, and I’m sure she will cherish the occasion. She’s obviously extremely talented and has a bright future ahead of her.”