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Cesar Cielo’s 13-Year WR Record Falls as McEvoy Breaks 20.91 Mark

2026-07-21 · Cesar Cielo · Player Focus

Cameron McEvoy smashes Cesar Cielo’s 13-year 50m freestyle world record

Australia’s Cameron McEvoy erased Cesar Cielo’s longstanding 50m freestyle world record on 18 June in China, clocking 20.88 to erase the Brazilian’s 20.91 from 2009. The 32-year-old father of one now holds the mark ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he’ll defend his 50m freestyle title.

What happened in China?

McEvoy’s 20.88 came during an in-season meet in China, a surprise even to himself. The Aussie had spent years chasing the mark set by Cielo, who dominated the sprint free in the late 2000s. McEvoy’s coach, Tim Lane, guided him through unconventional training blocks that peaked just in time for the record run.

Why it matters for Cesar Cielo

Cielo’s 20.91 stood for 15 years, a benchmark for sprinters worldwide. His 2009 mark came at the World Championships in Rome, where he also won bronze in the 100m free. The record’s fall marks the end of an era for Brazil’s most decorated male swimmer, whose legacy includes Olympic gold in Beijing 2008.

McEvoy’s path to Glasgow

Now 12 years after his first Commonwealth Games silver in Glasgow, McEvoy returns as the reigning world champion in the 50m free. Earlier this year he posted a training personal best over 35 meters, four days after flying back from Europe. He’ll face a deep field in Glasgow, including Canada’s Josh Liendo and Britain’s Matt Richards, both Olympic medalists in sprint events.

The Aussie squad’s depth

McEvoy pointed to Australia’s “incredible” depth, with rookies and youngsters ranking among the world’s best. He’s already looking ahead to Brisbane 2032, where this next wave will hit their prime. The Aussie men’s 4x100m free relay squad also enters as a favorite, with McEvoy anchoring the anchor leg.

What’s next for the sprint free?

McEvoy’s focus now shifts to Glasgow’s Tollcross pool, where he’ll chase his third straight major title in the 50m free. The meet runs 24-29 July, with the men’s 50m free final set for 27 July. Cielo, now 39, remains active in masters swimming but no longer contests elite sprint finals.

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