In a heart-stopping race at the World Aquatics World Championships 10km event in Doha, Kyle Lee, Western Australia's open water sensation, surged to ninth place, qualifying him for Paris 2024.
The 21-year-old from North Coast Swim Club exclaimed: "I just can't believe it." This isn't just an achievement; it's the realisation of a lifelong dream, a huge triumph after missing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by just 12 seconds.
The intensity of the race reached its peak on the final lap, with turbulent white water turning it into an open battle until the very last buoy. Lee, coached by Ian Mills, stuck to his race plan flawlessly and maintained his position in the lead group.
His 2021 statement, "Hopefully, one day, I would love to make an Australian Team… The big focus is on major swimming meets such as the Olympics," now echoes as an indication of his commitment to reaching the pinnacle of his sport.
While the Australian Olympic Committee's final approval is pending, Lee's humble demeanor and unyielding drive have led to the fulfillment of his Olympic aspirations. Ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with teammates from Queensland—Nicholas Sloman, Moesha Johnson, and Chelsea Gubecka—Kyle Lee will be gearing up to proudly represent Australia.
