Olympic Medallist and Wanting More

The Australian 4x200m Mens Freestyle team of Elijah Winnington, Maximillian Giuliani, Flynn Southam, and Thomas Neill win Bronze during the Final at the Paris La Defense Arena.

Tasmanian swimmer Maximillian Giuliani (SVC 2012-19) has won a bronze medal in the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay at the Paris Olympics. With Max swimming the first leg, the team clocked a time of 7:01.98. in finishing behind teams from Great Britain and the United States. 

In doing so, Max becomes only the second Old Virgilian to secure an Olympic medal – the other being rower Dr Scott Brennan who won gold in the double sculls at Beijing in 2008.

Earlier in the Olympic program, Max competed in as an individual in the 200m freestyle.  He won his heat, placed third and 5th fastest in the semis and 7th in the final. 

To quote from an article in the Hobart Mercury (11 August 24)

Max ‘s Games has fuelled the fire for bigger things in 2028 after the swimmer opened up on the double bout of illness which plagued his Paris campaign. 

The 21-year-old’s first Olympic experience can be hailed a success after he featured in the 4x200m relay team which finished third, after also coming seventh in the closest 200m final in history. 

Giuliani and swimming sensation Ariarne Titmus are the only Tasmanians to secure a medal at Paris thus far. Cyclist Georgia Baker (omnium) and basketballer Alanna Smith (women’s bronze medal match) the other remaining hopes due to compete on Sunday night. But after watching many of his contemparies clean up in the pool, Giuliani wants to join the party in Los Angeles. 

“Unfortunately, I didn’t quite do what I know I am capable of,” Giuliani said. 

“But it is my first open team and to come away with a final in an individual swim is 

great. And the medal in the relay, I can’t really complain, a medal at my first Olympic 

Games is awesome.” 

“I think it was awesome to get up in an environment. The city was quite nice but it’s nothing compared to Tassie. I can’t wait to get back to Tassie.” 

Giuliani was one of many Australian swimmers struck down by Covid, but it wasn’t the only ailment he had to deal with. 

 “I had Covid and the common cold so two at once,” he said. 

“But I still managed to get up and do quite well, so I am very proud of myself for 

that.” 

Listing French superstar Leon Marchand and Australia’s NBA talent Josh Giddey as 

the most famous athletes seen in the village, Giuliani said Paris had whetted his 

appetite for future Games in Los Angeles and Brisbane. 

“I am so motivated and ready to get back in the pool and just work my backside off,” 

he said. 

“I know what I have to do now and it’s just so motivating seeing all the other people 

around you succeed which makes me want it so much more now that I have been 

here. 

“I am really excited for the future. I think I’ve got a very long and fruitful career ahead 

of me. I can’t wait to just keep representing Australia and doing the best that I can.” 

AN AUSTRALIAN RECORD  

Twenty-seven year old Jacob Despard (SVC 2010-13) ran a great back straight leg for Australian in the first heat  of the  4x100m relay at the Stade de France on Day 8 of the Olympics. The team missed the final in exceptional circumstances.  There were two heats of nine teams – the first three in each and the next two fastest would qualify for the final.  Australia finished 6th in heat one with a time that would have won Heat 2. It missed qualifying for the final by 0.05 seconds. 

However, the upside was that the Australian team broke the National and Oceania record with its time of 38.12 sec. to improve on its Olympic qualifying time of 38.46 sec at the World Relay Championships in the Bahamas in May.

Jacob has an impressive athletics resume – Australian record holder, Stawell Gift winner, Burnie Gift winner and both Olympic and Commonwealth Games representation.