Kyle Chalmers Deserves Celebration, Not Criticism, For Change of Mind

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Kyle Chalmers Deserves Celebration, Not Criticism, For Decision to Race at World Champs

There are several instances from history in which an athlete has yielded a position at a major international event to a competitor, consequently allowing that individual to realize a dream. Notably, Michael Phelps fits that description – on several occasions.

At the 2004 United States Olympic Trials, Phelps finished second in the 200-meter backstroke, finishing behind Aaron Peirsol. Phelps, though, didn’t see the 200 back fitting into his Athens Games program, which led to him withdrawing and handing the spot to Bryce Hunt. Eight years later, Phelps withdrew from the 200 freestyle after the Olympic Trials, a decision that gave Davis Tarwater a bid to the 2012 Olympics in London. Phelps also yielded his place in the final of the 400 medley relay at the Athens Games to Ian Crocker.

If Phelps had kept all of his places, no one would have complained.

During the just-concluded Australian Championships in Adelaide, there has been considerable talk about Kyle Chalmers reversing his initial decision to bypass next month’s FINA World Championships in Budapest. By winning the 50 butterfly and placing second in the 100 fly, Chalmers EARNED a trip to Worlds. After weighing his options, the Australian decided to attend after all, along with racing at the Commonwealth Games in July/August.

Down Under, Chalmers’ decision sparked headlines because it meant Cody Simpson will not race in Budapest. Simpson is the pop star who has returned to his childhood love of swimming and impressed with his talent in the pool. Simpson finished third in the 100 butterfly, behind Matt Temple and Chalmers, in the process twice clocking efforts of sub-52.

Based on Chalmers’ original gameplan, many thought Simpson would head to the World Championships as the No. 2 Australian. Yet, with Chalmers shifting his mindset and chasing an opportunity to race a stroke that was a boyhood love, Simpson will now only compete at the Commonwealth Games, where each nation is allowed three competitors. In some circles, Chalmers was criticized for his decision and – worse – accused of making the call because Simpson is reportedly dating Emma McKeon, with whom Chalmers was formerly connected.

How sad.

There is a reason the word “earned” was capitalized earlier in this piece. Simply, Chalmers claimed his butterfly berths to the World Championships solely on merit, and regardless of his prior statements, he is entitled to race as a competitor in the events for which he qualified. We’re talking about world-class sports, not schoolyard recess, and Chalmers is among the elite names in swimming and has further goals to pursue. Specifically, he wants to contest the 100 butterfly at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and going to Worlds is a chance to build toward that target.

“I’ve sacrificed my body and given everything to my sport and country for the past decade,” Chalmers wrote on social media amid the unnecessary controversy. “If I knew this was going to be the reaction and the respect I get, I would’ve never entered the race.”

Don’t be mistaken, the achievements of Simpson deserve applause. In a two-year stretch, he has developed into a world-class performer, with a Paris trip within reach. More, he recognized that he finished third and the fact that Chalmers was within his rights to race in Budapest.

However, Chalmers should never have been placed in the position of villain. Rather, his rise in the butterfly events, which complement his Olympic-champion status in the 100 freestyle, should be celebrated. The man has fought through shoulder injuries and set a new goal in the sport. Those efforts should have grabbed the headlines – nothing more.

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