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Kyle Chalmers' quest to defend his 100 metre freestyle Olympic title is off to a flying start in Tokyo.
The South Australian cruised to victory in his heat on Tuesday night to qualify third fastest for the semi-finals, just a touch behind Italian flyer Thomas Ceccon and US powerhouse Caeleb Dressel.
A satisfied Chalmers hopes to book a spot in the final in the first event of Wednesday's program.
'It's a good confidence booster,' the 23-year-old told Channel Seven afterwards.
Kyle Chalmers (pictured) hopes to defend his 100 metre freestyle Olympic crown in Tokyo
'Seven months ago I had shoulder surgery, so still kind of coming back and trying to get under the 48-second marks. So to do that in the heat is really nice.'
'I felt really relaxed today. My job was to get through the semi-finals. I've ticked that box. It's good that it's early in the program tonight.'
Chalmers will return home with a guaranteed medal after his blistering anchor leg snatched bronze for Australia in the men's 4x 100 freestyle relay on Monday.
His semi-final will kick off what's shaping up to be a big day in the pool for Australia on Wednesday.
Ariarne Titmus will resume her fierce rivalry with American legend Katie Ledecky in the 200 metre freestyle final.
She will be in lane four after qualifying fastest for the final, where the 20-year-old hopes to ramp up her dominance against Ledecky after storming home to steal gold in the 400 metre event on Monday.
Fellow Aussie Madi
