Latest news with #AustralianRules
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Aussie swim legend cashing in on fresh feelings
Kyle Chalmers has never felt this way before. "It has been a long time since my body has felt this good, if ever, in my career," the big fish of Australian swimming said. Six months after thinking he'd quit swimming, Chalmers' extraordinary career has hit yet another height. On Thursday night at Australia's selection trials for the looming world titles, he clocked his fastest 100m freestyle on home soil - 47.29 seconds. That's quicker than his 2016 Olympic gold swim in the event (47.58); faster than his silver medal at last year's Olympics (47.48). And he's now setting sights on his personal best of 47.08, achieved twice - including when winning Olympic silver in 2021 in Tokyo. Just how is Chalmers, a fortnight shy of his 27th birthday on June 25, defying an age when many swimmers start treading water? His answer is two-fold: mental and physical. "I'm just extremely happy," Chalmers said. "I have got ... a fiancee who's incredible, I'm preparing to be a dad, living on a farm. "There's so many amazing things going on outside of the pool that it allows me to just come here and have fun." Chalmers has won a mind-boggling 74 international medals, including nine at the Olympics; a dozen at world championships; nine more at Commonwealth Games. His legend is assured. "I'm not here with pressure and expectation. Anything I achieve from this point is just icing on the cake of my career," Chalmers said. Then, he added his second reason: "I'm not injured at the moment either." Chalmers has had heart surgery, three times, for a non-life threatening condition which caused a rapid heartbeat. He's had shoulder operations; lower back problems requiring repeated cortisone injections; ankle surgery after being hurt playing Australian Rules football in September 2023. "That injury was probably the worst of them all," he said. "I fully snapped all the ligaments holding my lower leg bones together, it was a terrible injury." But now? When was the last time he physically felt as good? "Probably 2020," he said, before fact-checking himself. "Actually, that's a lie. I had my lower back problems before that - I had about six cortisones in my back in the lead in to 2020. "Then my shoulders went on me. "Those five years through to Paris last year were very challenging." Even when Chalmers burst to fame as an 18-year-old by winning Olympic gold in 2016, he was hurting. "Even then, I was having problems with growth spurts so I was cramping and growing and in pain," he said. "Now, I'm just doing whatever I want to do and it seems to be working. "I've seen the physio twice this whole year compared to the lead up to Tokyo (Olympics of 2021) when I was seeing a physio every single day, if not twice a day. "It has been an amazing turnaround and I'm stoked my body is feeling this good. "And that's why I want to capitalise on it while I can, because I know it's not going to feel this good forever."
Perth Now
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Aussie swim legend cashing in on fresh feelings
Kyle Chalmers has never felt this way before. "It has been a long time since my body has felt this good, if ever, in my career," the big fish of Australian swimming said. Six months after thinking he'd quit swimming, Chalmers' extraordinary career has hit yet another height. On Thursday night at Australia's selection trials for the looming world titles, he clocked his fastest 100m freestyle on home soil - 47.29 seconds. That's quicker than his 2016 Olympic gold swim in the event (47.58); faster than his silver medal at last year's Olympics (47.48). And he's now setting sights on his personal best of 47.08, achieved twice - including when winning Olympic silver in 2021 in Tokyo. Just how is Chalmers, a fortnight shy of his 27th birthday on June 25, defying an age when many swimmers start treading water? His answer is two-fold: mental and physical. "I'm just extremely happy," Chalmers said. "I have got ... a fiancee who's incredible, I'm preparing to be a dad, living on a farm. "There's so many amazing things going on outside of the pool that it allows me to just come here and have fun." Chalmers has won a mind-boggling 74 international medals, including nine at the Olympics; a dozen at world championships; nine more at Commonwealth Games. His legend is assured. "I'm not here with pressure and expectation. Anything I achieve from this point is just icing on the cake of my career," Chalmers said. Then, he added his second reason: "I'm not injured at the moment either." Chalmers has had heart surgery, three times, for a non-life threatening condition which caused a rapid heartbeat. He's had shoulder operations; lower back problems requiring repeated cortisone injections; ankle surgery after being hurt playing Australian Rules football in September 2023. "That injury was probably the worst of them all," he said. "I fully snapped all the ligaments holding my lower leg bones together, it was a terrible injury." But now? When was the last time he physically felt as good? "Probably 2020," he said, before fact-checking himself. "Actually, that's a lie. I had my lower back problems before that - I had about six cortisones in my back in the lead in to 2020. "Then my shoulders went on me. "Those five years through to Paris last year were very challenging." Even when Chalmers burst to fame as an 18-year-old by winning Olympic gold in 2016, he was hurting. "Even then, I was having problems with growth spurts so I was cramping and growing and in pain," he said. "Now, I'm just doing whatever I want to do and it seems to be working. "I've seen the physio twice this whole year compared to the lead up to Tokyo (Olympics of 2021) when I was seeing a physio every single day, if not twice a day. "It has been an amazing turnaround and I'm stoked my body is feeling this good. "And that's why I want to capitalise on it while I can, because I know it's not going to feel this good forever."
The Advertiser
08-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Women's trailblazer among batch of feted sports figures
Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others. Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others. Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others. Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others.
West Australian
08-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Women's trailblazer among batch of feted sports figures
Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others.
Perth Now
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Women's trailblazer among batch of feted sports figures
Nicole Livingstone heard it all when leading the charge of women into the male-dominated sport of Australian Rules football. "You name it, I heard it," Livingstone, the former AFLW chief executive, told AAP. "Women shouldn't be playing footy, it's a men's game. "Women aren't built for football; the standard was not good; the AFL was moving too fast. "Now, I look on proudly with the AFLW going into their 10th season - it's pretty incredible." Livingstone is among sports identities in the King's Birthday Honours List, appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. After swimming at three Olympic Games, Livingstone carved a successful broadcasting career before moving into sports administration - she left her AFLW role in 2023 to become the Victorian Institute of Sport's chief executive. "Elevating women's sport is something that I have always tried to do," she said. "Women have always been doing extraordinary things for Australia in sport but it has taken time for women to be recognised for their sporting prowess. "Having a strong belief in equal opportunity and breaking down that barrier was really important." But for Livingstone, sport is only part of her King's Birthday honour, which also cites her service to community health. Her mother Elsie died from ovarian cancer in 2001, prompting Livingstone and her sister Karen to form Ovarian Cancer Australia the same year. "Most charities are formed through personal tragedy and most charities don't survive very long," Livingstone said. "Twenty-four years later, the organisation is not only still in existence but it's the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in this country in terms of advocating research, providing nurse support for ovarian cancer patients. "That is a special one." Other sports luminaries featuring in the King's Birthday Honours List include respected Australian rules football official Brian Cook, who has been appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia. Cook has been the chief executive officer of AFL club Carlton since 2021, having previously filled that role at Geelong (1999-2021) and West Coast (1990-99). He is joined in the honours list by fellow AFL identity Chris McDermott. The South Australian great and inaugural Adelaide Crows captain received a Medal (OAM) in the Order of Australia. Rugby league Hall of Famer and Queensland's current State of Origin chairman of selectors Gene Miles also received an OAM, as did soccer's Jimmy Rooney, who earnt 102 Australian caps from 1970-80. Tia-Clair Toomey, who was an Olympic and Commonwealth Games weightlifter before turning to the International CrossFit Games where she is a seven-times women's champion, was appointed an AM. The same honour was bestowed on long-time swim coach John Rodgers - who guided Michelle Ford to Olympic freestyle gold in 1980 and has more recently worked with the nation's open water program - and rugby union player and coach Shirley Russell, among others.
