The Australian men’s 4x100m relay team has set its sights on an even bigger prize after Flynn Southam’s blistering lead-off paved the way for a Commonwealth Games record in Glasgow.
Southam posted the fourth-fastest Australian 100m time with 47.09 seconds on Saturday morning (AEST), breaking teammate Kyle Chalmers’ Games record of 47.36 set in Birmingham four years ago.
It set the tone for a dominant Australian performance as they stopped the clock at 3:09.49, more than two seconds clear of nearest rivals England.
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That result completed a 4x100m relay double after the women’s team led by Mollie O’Callaghan and the retiring Shayna Jack also claimed gold.
Australia now hold the Commonwealth and world championships in the men’s 4x100m relay, but famously haven’t beaten the United States in the event at the Olympics since 2000.
Chalmers insists the team consisting of himself, Southam, Kai Taylor and Harrison Turner is capable of breaking the drought at Los Angeles in 2028.
The Australian men’s 4x100m relay team set a Commonwealth Games record in Glasgow. Credit: Getty “I believe so and I think tonight is another step in the right direction for us,” Chalmers said.
“To have someone who’s able to lead off in 47.0 is incredible, but Flynn will continue to make the progression in two years’ time and I believe lead us off in 46.
“That’s going to make the difference for us, then to have two great middle legs both splitting 47, and then hopefully I can hold on and anchor in a couple of years’ time.”
Southam, 21, has been part of the relay team for the last three years and has now cemented his status as a sprint star.
His personal best 100m time is the second-fastest in the world this year.
“I always back myself to do it as fast as I can possibly do it and the numbers I’ve been doing in training really reflect that,” Southam said.
“But at the end of the day I wasn’t looking for an individual performance – I just wanted to get Australia off to the best lead possible and I couldn’t do it without my great mates here.
“I’m super happy to get gold and a championship record for Australia.”
Jack added a third consecutive Games relay gold medal in what will be her last appearance at the event, having announced her retirement earlier this month.
The quartet of Jack, O’Callaghan, Meg Harris and Alex Perkins stopped the clock in 3:31.40, more than four seconds clear of second-placed England.
“For me it’s just all about living in the moment and I definitely did that tonight,” Jack said.
“I shed a few tears on the podium with these girls because it’s so inspiring to be able to continue that legacy.
“To see it now being passed on is amazing.”