The Oldest Swimmer for Canada Makes a Comeback for Tokyo 2021

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics is a much-awaited event this time around. As the athletes are ready to take part in various events, swimming is one of the favorite sports for the audience. One famous name in that category will be Brent Hayden.

Hayden won the bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics in the 100-meter freestyle event. After that, the swimmer retired from the sport. However, Hayden made a comeback in 2019 because of his passion for the sport.

Fast forward two years, the swimmer qualified to get into the Canadian swimming team. Likewise, he became the oldest swimmer to represent Canada in the 50-meter freestyle event in the nation’s history.

The 37-year-old will look to put on a good performance in the Olympics.

BRENT IS BACK

He told me in October he just wanted to swim fast. Fall in love with swimming again. Retired for seven years. And then this performance at the Olympic qualifiers. Second-fastest time in 50m.

Absolute joy. Special stuff here at the pool tonight. pic.twitter.com/aD0p4LHe4C

— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) June 21, 2021

Brent Hayden returns to Tokyo 2021

Hayden took part in the 50-meter freestyle and finished the race ahead of Josh Liendo by clocking a time of 21.82. It was a terrific comeback from the swimmer as he marked his return in grand style.

Josh Liendo clocked 21.90 to finish in second place. Notably, Hayden came close to breaking his existing record at 21.73.

But, who doesn’t like a fairy tale comeback story? After the race, Hayden seemed delighted and talked about his qualification to the team. “It’s one of the greatest feelings ever,” said Hayden.

The Canadian swimmer looked thrilled to be back at the grandest stage of them all. The  37-year-old will compete in the event after a decade.

Hayden won the bronze medal in the 100-meter freestyle back in London Olympics, while Nathan Adrian and Magnussen finished first and second, respectively.

Despite that, Hayden gained a lot of plaudits for winning the first medal for Canada in that event.

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The 50-meter freestyle event in Tokyo

However, Caeleb Dressel is the favorite to take home the gold. He will look to break the existing record of 20.91 of Cesar Cielo in the coming games. Moreover, he is the firm favorite to make a mark in the Olympics this time around.

Brent Hayden will look to defy the odds and win a medal at Tokyo while it will draw comparisons to Anthony Ervin’s win back in 2016.

The Men’s 50-meter freestyle event is scheduled for August 1st. The excitement draws closer as the Olympics is back after a 5-year absence. There are a lot of anticipated events across various sports in the Tokyo games.

Athletics and swimming gain more viewership in the games because of their unpredictable nature. In conclusion, the 50-meter freestyle competition proves to be an attractive event, year after year.

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