McSweyn, Spencer and Hoare Selected for Paris 1500m as Myers Misses Out

In a highly competitive selection process, Australian athletes Oliver Hoare, Stewart McSweyn, and Adam Spencer have secured spots on the men’s 1500m team for the upcoming Paris Olympics. This trio’s selection dashes the hopes of 18-year-old Cameron Myers, a rising star and one of the fastest juniors in the history of 1500m running, who will need to wait 4 years to have another crack at becoming an Olympian.

All four athletes – Spencer, Hoare, McSweyn, and Myers – had achieved the rigorous entry standard for the 1500m event (3:33.50), but with only three spots available, tough decisions had to be made by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC). Jesse Hunt, who finished third at the Australian 1500m champs in April, clocked 3:33.64 during the qualification period, just missing out on that 3:33.50 mark. A huge breakthrough season for Hunt.  While the full track and field team is yet to be officially confirmed until next week, sources familiar with the matter have anonymously verified the selection.

Stewart McSweyn, who will be competing in his second Olympic Games, and is an Olympic 1500m finalist from 2021, has also earned selection in the 5000m event.  Doubling (1500m and 5000m) is no easy task, with very few athletes in the history of the Olympics doing so successfully. McSweyn’s form has been under the spotlight of late, with the wiry Tasmanian clocking a 3:35 on a windy night in Heusden, just two weeks ago. McSweyn ran from the front, showing that he is perhaps back to 3:30-3:31 shape, given the right conditions. McSweyn also posted a 5000m PB in May of this year, clocking 12:56 in California, just off Craig Mottram’s Australian record of 12:55.  McSweyn is coached and managed by Nic Bideau.

Cameron Myers, on the other hand, clocked 3:33 in Nice, June 15, then a 3:38 in Poland on June 20.  At the Australian champs in April, McSweyn (4th) just beat home Myers (5th).  Myers is coached by Dr Dick Telford.

2024 Australian Men’s 1500m Results. 11 April 2024

Meanwhile, Adam Spencer, 22, secured his Olympic berth by winning the 1500m final at the Australian athletics championships held in April, marking a significant milestone in his career as he prepares for his Olympic debut. Spencer is a semi-finalist from the 2023 world champs (1500m).

The confirmation of these athletes underscores their dedication and exceptional performances in qualifying for one of the most prestigious events at the biggest competition of them all. As preparations intensify for the Paris Games, Australia’s track and field contingent is shaping up with a blend of seasoned experience and promising talent.