'Giving us a heart attack': Aussie's final lap recovery leaves commentary team stunned
Australia's reigning Olympic champion has pulled off an impressive comeback, racing from last place to win his 200m breaststroke heat.
Zac Stubblety-Cook, who holds the Olympic record for the event, got off to a slow start in the opening 100m and was nearly out of view at one point, causing concern among Nine's commentary team.
"This is a problem. Stubblety-Cook is in trouble here. He's given them quite a start," Mat Thompson said during Nine's coverage.
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The reigning Olympic champion has pulled off an impressive comeback, racing from last place to win his 200m breaststroke heat. Nine
The Tokyo 2020 gold medallist then shifted into another gear, chipping away at the leaders before exploding off the wall for the final lap.
"He always gives us a nervous wait," swimming legend and gold medallist Giaan Rooney said.
"Talk about giving us a heart attack. I felt like Zac had a look underwater (and said) 'I'm not quite where I thought I was'."
In the final 50m, Stubblety-Cook raced home to take the lead.
"This is an unbelievable last 50, he couldn't win, could he?" Thompson said.
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Stubblety-Cook finished the race in first place, recording a time of 2:09.49, with Caspar Corbeau coming in second place.
"That's one of the most sensational swims of the meet. With 40m left we thought he was going to miss it," Thompson said.
Five-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe shared his insights following the race, saying he felt Stubblety-Cook was a little too comfortable.
"It's a good swim, but it was a risk," he said.
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The Tokyo 2020 gold medallist then shifted into another gear. Nine
Speaking after his win, the ever-cool Stubblety-Cook brushed off his very late run to a top finish.
"I think I left my run a little late, but it all worked out," he said on Nine.
"I had a bit more to give and I was like, 'oh, I've got to give it all here'."
It was a great finish for Stubblety-Cook, in his only individual race at the Olympic Games.
