King Island’s Stewart McSweyn selected for Paris Olympics

King Island’s favorite athletic son Stewart McSweyn has been selected for the Paris Olympics.

Stewart was selected in the 75 member Australian athletics team as one of the three Australian slots in the  men's 1500m, as well as the 5000m.

Running in both Olympic events is rare. 

The selection follows Stewart taking the podium on Sunday in Paris, coming second in the Wanda Diamond League Meeting de Paris 3000m. 

In a photo finish, Stewie clocked 7:29.46 after taking his preferred position leading from the front. 

The winner was Jacob Krop (Kenya) 7:28.83. This meet is a teaser for the Paris Olympics in a couple of weeks.

McSweyn is one of Australia’s best-ever middle-distance athletes and holds the Australian record over 3000m at 7:28.02.

He is on track for Olympic glory having continually improved his times in each meet since the beginning of this year while running against the world’s best.

Podium wins would have him enter Olympic history books.

“It has been challenging and I’ve been building on consistency. I’ve had a lot of commentary around my times, but this year I have run 12:56, and 7:36, and I’ve been coming into form. I was happy to showcase this today [in the Paris meet]. 

“Krops is a two-time World Champs 5000m medalist, so to be right there with him shows that I can be right in the mix if I get it right. 

“I just have to keep improving from here and you can’t get too satisfied in this sport. 

“I know I have to get 10 per cent better. I know how good Jacob is, and I have to keep improving over the next couple of weeks,” McSweyn said.

Paris will be McSweyn’s second Olympics.

“It’s a huge honor to represent your country and run for Australia. That’s what I dreamed of as a kid. I’m about to go to my second Olympics. 

McSweyn finished seventh in the 1500m final in Tokyo. 

“People don’t really understand the sacrifice in prep you make, the sacrifice your family and friends make, the sacrifice of everything around you – and I’m honored and really thankful to everyone around me that makes it possible.”  

The Summer Olympics return to Paris after 100 years and open 26 July. Athletics will be August 1 to 11 and broadcast on the Nine Network 9now.com.au/olympic-games-paris-2024