Bronte’s overdue moment finally comes in spectacular, record-breaking fashion
At last, Bronte Campbell has had her moment. And absolutely no-one in Australia is going to begrudge her of it.
The younger of the Campbell sisters, for so long in the immense shadow of Cate, chalked up a win in Australia's most famous swimming sibling rivalry on Monday night.
And what a win it was. A Commonwealth-record triumph in the showpiece event you really want to snare — the women's 100 metres freestyle final.
Bronte's last individual success over Cate came in the 2015 World Championships in Kazan, in both the 50m and 100m freestyle deciders.
But any other success for her has come in relay events. On her own, she's been forced to play a very gracious bridesmaid to Cate Campbell's stunning successes.
But in Southport, right at the turn, Bronte seized a bit of history for herself, in personal-best time.
"That was incredible. I didn't know I could swim that fast and I wasn't expecting to go that quickly," she said.
"I'm just excited. I haven't had a personal best in a 100m freestyle for three years. To swim the fastest I have in three years in a final and come away with the gold is pretty special."
At about the 75-metre mark, with Cate Campbell battling it out with Canada's Taylor Ruck for a likely gold, Bronte hit the afterburners, ghosting past the more heralded pair.
The surge triggered something in the crowd. Frankly, people went nuts. Suddenly the universal love for the underdog exploded in the stands as thousands shouted themselves hoarse.
"It's definitely restored some self-confidence. It's been a while since I've been able to go that quickly," she said.
"I went faster than I thought I could, so it's restored some belief in myself. I'll take it into the break and into the work I'll have to do to get back after that and see what happens."
Is Bronte a late chance for the medley relay?
Bronte Campbell slammed the wall 0.42 seconds ahead of her sister. The style in which she won made the fact she is taking a break from swimming after the Commonwealth Games suddenly seem like a waste.
But she says while it might now be a reluctant break, issues with her right hip and both shoulders need addressing.
"Seems like I've worked my way into a pretty good space and taking a break seems like a bit of a waste but I know it has to happen," she said.
"I made the decision before I came here no matter what the results. You have to take a break, you have to get ready for the next two years because Tokyo [2020 Olympics] is a long way away.
"[I will take] three months and see how everything goes. Play it by ear. I've given myself until June next year before trials. I ruled myself out of Pan Pacs to try and get this rehab done, give myself time to get back and make sure I'm in top condition by 2020."
Having thought the 100m freestyle would be her last race of the Commonwealth Games, Bronte Campbell suddenly looms as a last-minute selection for Australia's 4x100m medley relay.
"I was 100 per cent going out there thinking it was my last race for the meet, my last race possibly for the year … so we'll see how we go," she said.
"I might have to do the relay now. I was in the warm-up saying, 'this is my last warm up, this is my last suit.' Just stoked really."
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