Kyle Chalmers Discusses Geelong's Efforts to Attract Olympic Swimmer to AFL in 2020
Kyle Chalmers, the Olympic gold medallist, revealed that he considered a move to AFL football after interest from Geelong. Despite being a passionate footy fan and junior player, a conversation with Sam Jacobs made him reconsider, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from elite swimming to AFL. Ultimately, Chalmers affirmed his dedication to swimming, expressing enjoyment in being among the best in his sport and maintaining a commitment to competing for Australia, including the potential of participating in the 2028 Olympics.
Olympic gold medallist Kyle Chalmers disclosed that he nearly transitioned from swimming to Australian Rules Football, thanks to a significant conversation with former AFL player Sam Jacobs. The three-time Olympian reflected on his journey and aspirations during an interview with The Howie Games.
Chalmers' Early Passion for AFL
Kyle Chalmers, a dedicated football fan and talented junior player from South Australia, grew up idolizing the sport. He aspired to emulate his father, Brett Chalmers, who played a total of 75 AFL games for Adelaide Football Club and Port Adelaide. Despite achieving Olympic success in swimming, Chalmers entertained thoughts of returning to his first sporting love, showcasing his passion for AFL.
A Potential Move to Geelong
Chalmers' dreams of switching sports gained momentum during a challenging period in his swimming career. Working to recover from a shoulder injury in 2020, he maintained his fitness by engaging in football training. An unexpected opportunity arose when Geelong Football Club expressed interest in recruiting him. The swimmer recalled receiving a message from his friend Scotty Darlow, prompting him to consider a move to Geelong, which could have seen him join as a Category B rookie.
Reality Check from a Close Friend
After an extensive recruitment Zoom call with Geelong’s Troy Selwood, Chalmers sought advice from Jacobs, his longtime friend. Jacobs challenged him by asking if he truly wanted to go from being one of the world’s top swimmers to a position far down the AFL list. This frank conversation led Chalmers to reassess his aspirations and ultimately reaffirm his commitment to swimming.
Chalmers' Commitment to Swimming
After reflecting on his journey and the challenges of transitioning sports, Chalmers recognized his love for competitive swimming and the opportunities it afforded him. Despite contemplating the switch, he concluded that he was content with his swimming career, stating he would never match the commitment required by aspiring AFL players. Chalmers remains a prominent figure in swimming, having won multiple medals, and is still focused on representing Australia in future competitions, possibly including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Selwood's Perspective on Chalmers’ Decision
Troy Selwood, who has experience in talent identification roles at Geelong, expressed no regrets about pursuing Chalmers, believing the swimmer made the right call. Selwood’s acknowledgment of Chalmers' talent both in swimming and as a potential AFL player highlights the unique opportunities athletes face when considering transitions between competitive sports.
