The 23-year-old Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice, which currently holds the world record in the 400 m women's individual medley recently became the first Australian swimmer to secure a place at the London Games with a victory at the national trials on Thursday, March 15^th. Still recovering from a shoulder injury, Rice posted a strong time of 4 minutes 33.35 seconds in Adelaide.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Aussie Blair Evans finished runner-up in the 400 medley, and also secured her place at London, although she was more than four seconds behind Rice. Rice's time was marginally slower than the 4:32.67 set by Hannah Miley in winning the British trials last week. "It's been one of the toughest preparations I've ever had and I'm just so thankful to have qualified," Rice said.

"[The shoulder tendon] is still torn, which is why I've had a bit of trouble with it. If I can get a good block [of training] in the lead-up to London that's going to give me a bit of confidence."

Ian Thorpe, who came out of retirement last year, begins his bid for a place in London with Friday's 200m heats. The five-times gold medallist, 29, will compete in both the 100m and 200m freestyle at the Australian trials, with the top two in each event earning individual places and the top six making the relays.

Libby Trickett, one of several former Australian champions returning from retirement, could only finish sixth fastest in qualifying for the 100m butterfly final as she looks to defend her Olympic title.

David McKeon won the 400m freestyle in 3:46.36, with Ryan Napoleon taking the second place for London, while Thomas Fraser-Holmes set an Australian record as he won the 400m individual medley in 4:11.81 ahead of Daniel Tranter.