Eamon Sullivan broke the world 50-metre freestyle record to become the fastest swimmer in history. He spoke to Matt Myers about life in the fast lane before heading off to the Beijing Olympics.
Congratulations on making the Australian Olympic swim team. It must be very uplifting.
It’s good to have that after four years of hard work. It’s the pinnacle of any swimmer’s career, so it’s a great experience.
How does it feel to have broken the world record for the 50-metre freestyle?
It’s still a bit surreal to think I am the fastest person to have ever swum that. I’m still trying to let it settle in, but I’d much prefer to be known as the most consistent fastest man, rather than be known for the occasional performance.
What about topping the records set by Popov, Klim and Schoeman?
They are great swimmers who I’ve looked up to, so it’s very humbling. It’s certainly something I don’t take for granted as I have learned a lot from the likes of Klimmy and Popov.
Eamon Sullivan promoting Davenport underwear
Who are your closest mates in the Olympic swim team?
I’m pretty good mates with all of the team including Andrew Lauterstein, Kenrick Monk, Ashley Delaney and Pat Murphy.
Do you get nervous while waiting on the starting block?
I get much more excited than nervous.
What goes through your mind while racing?
Not much really. Just some little cues to trigger parts of the race where I need to do things. It’s over so quickly that I don’t have time to get a song in my head or anything like that.
I have a few mates who are gay. We sometimes catch up when my training isn’t as hectic.
It’s a lot easier for athletes to come out these days. Do you know of sportspeople who are gay?
Not personally, but I think it wouldn’t be a big deal if anyone was gay.
There are a few guys out there who think you are hot. How do you feel about that?
It’s flattering, although it’s not something I have really thought about before.
Do you have gay mates?
I have a few mates who are gay. I’ve met most through friends of friends and a couple around the swimming circles. We sometimes catch up when my training isn’t as hectic.
Eamon Sullivan and Stephanie Rice promoting Davenport underwear
The Davenport underwear commercials are a big change from the swimming pool. Was that difficult or fun?
The shoot was great fun. It’s not a bad day’s work when you get pampered – although jumping on the trampolines took its toll after a while.
Is it difficult juggling swimming with various media commitments?
Sometimes it’s hard fitting everything into one day and it can get tiring, but you just have to find the right balance.
Would you like to take modelling or media work further?
Not at this stage. I’m happy being a full-time athlete and doing the odd modelling gig for some of my sponsors.
If you could be on a television reality show, which would it be?
Hmm…probably The Amazing Race, as I would get to travel and see the world, and win some money at the same time.
It’s not a bad day’s work when you get pampered – although jumping on the trampolines took its toll after a while
You’ve suffered hip, back and shoulder injuries. How do you deal with those sorts of setbacks?
I just learn to accept it and then find ways to train that don’t cause me injuries. I just get on with it.
On that same note, how do you deal with the spiteful comments from American swimmer Gary Hall Junior (Hall made controversial suggestions, linking Sullivan’s achievements to drug cheating)?
I took his comments as a bit of a backhanded compliment, as it showed that some of my competitors were worried about my performance rather than their own.
If you could go on a date with any celebrity, who would you choose?
Jessica Alba, because everyone else wants to and I think it would be a good bragging story.
Which swimming legend would you rather have dinner with? Dawn Fraser, Shane Gould or Mark Spitz?
Definitely Mark Spitz! He holds the record for the most gold medals at an Olympics.
What is the campest song on your iPod?
I Don’t Feel Like Dancing by the Scissor Sisters.
What is your porn name (Your first pet’s name and the street you grew up in)?
(Laughing) Meisha Keightly!
You like to cook. What is your favourite dish to make?
Herb and parmesan-crumbed chicken with garlic and butter sauce, roast veggies and a pumpkin, spinach, goat’s cheese and pine nut salad.
Have you ever been to a race and forgotten your swimmers?
(Laughing) Yes, when I was in Year Two – not one of my greatest swimming memories! I sent Mum home to pick them up, so all was resolved quite quickly and without too much embarrassment.
So when you’re not in the swimming lane are you a Speedos or boardies guy?
Boardies!
Who has been the biggest influence on your life and career?
Todd Pearson, Michael Klim and Grant Stoelwinder. They have all been role models to me – Todd and Michael for their achievements in the pool and their commitment to training, and Grant as my coach, because of his dedication and his desire to help me be my best.
