Emma McKeon beats Cate Campbell in 'blistering' 100m freestyle qualification showdown

Cate Campbell successfully qualified for her fourth Olympics, but was dethroned in the 100 metre freestyle by Emma McKeon at the Australian swimming trials in Adelaide.

McKeon touched the wall first in 52.35 with Campbell second in a time of 52.59 and Madi Wilson third in 52.76. Campbell embraced McKeon after the race as the two emerge as top contenders for gold in Tokyo.

McKeon has now qualified for the 100m butterfly, 200m freestyle and 100m freestyle individual events at Tokyo and with Campbell, will aim to also qualify for the 50m freestyle today.

Campbell famously struggled in Rio in the 100m freestyle, where she was thought to be one of the favourites, only to finish sixth and without a medal. In Tokyo, she will have her shot at redemption and make history.

"Relief, that is just the presiding emotion for me right now," Campbell said after the race, having become just the third Aussie swimmer to compete at four Olympic Games.

"Who would have thought? I dreamt of going to the Olympics when I was nine years old.

"Most people get to do it once in their life and here I am — nearly 30 years old — getting to go to my fourth.

"It's honestly a dream come true."

The 29-year-old will be joined in Tokyo by her sister Bronte Campbell, who finished fifth but will be a part of the Australian women's 4x100m freestyle relay team.

The team will be considered red-hot favourites, having all clocked a time under 53 seconds.