World champion Mitch Larkin was under world record pace before qualifying for the Rio Olympics in the 100-metres backstroke at the Australian Swimming Championships in Adelaide on Saturday. The FINA Male Swimmer of the Year was on track to go under American Aaron Peirsol's seven-year 100m backstroke world record (51.94) before easing off to win in 52.54 seconds.
Larkin holds the Australian and Commonwealth record of 52.11secs and posted the year's fastest time (52.48secs) in Friday's semi-final. Larkin said he had done enough at the Olympic trials to send a message to his rivals in Rio. "I think they know I can swim fast. And I know I am capable of it," Larkin told reporters. "I have come a long way in 12 months and there are a few more months of work left. I am a bit disappointed (in missing the world record) but the main goal was to book a ticket to Rio."