American swimming commentator and Olympian Rowdy Gaines in Nine’s new documentary Boiling Point - Swimming’s Greatest Rivalry.

American swimming commentator and Olympian Rowdy Gaines in Nine’s new documentary Boiling Point - Swimming’s Greatest Rivalry.Credit:Nine

Rooney,a two-time Olympian and commentator for Nine at next week’s Olympic swimming trials in Brisbane,said Gaines’ admission in the documentary was telling.

Asked if she agreed that Australia could beat the USA on the medal table,Rooney said:“I do. We are genuine contenders to win the medal podium in the swimming events in Paris.

“It does add kudos when someone like Rowdy Gaines says it. Americans aren’t one to deflect and take the pressure off them. They will only make a statement like that if it’s actually a chance of happening. For Rowdy to say that based off world championship results last year[says a lot].

“I’ve never been one to jinx the team or put too much pressure or expectation on them,but I believe this team is such an experienced swim team they can handle that pressure and expectation. They’re fine with it. I honestly believe all the stars are aligning at these Olympics to produce one of our most successful swim teams ever.

Kyle Chalmers won gold in the men’s 100 metres freestyle at the world championships last year in Fukuoka.

Kyle Chalmers won gold in the men’s 100 metres freestyle at the world championships last year in Fukuoka.Credit:Getty

“The Americans were absolutely floored by our Aussie performances[in Japan]. For NBC to change the medal tally[at last year’s world championships] ... to show the total number of medals instead of gold medals[as the top nation],it speaks volumes. In some ways,it has ignited that USA-Australia rivalry like never before.”

Klim,whose heroics are featured in the documentary as a member of Australia’s gold medal-winning men’s 4x100m freestyle relay team at Sydney 2000,says this Dolphins squad has a chance of doing what many thought impossible a few years ago when Australia won just one gold medal in the pool at the 2012 London Olympics.

Australia’s six-day Olympic trials start on Monday,ahead of the Olympic program that gets under way on July 27 in Paris.

“We definitely have the opportunity[to beat the USA] but the Olympic Games is a completely different kettle of fish,” Klim said. “It’s going to be tougher than ever before. We have that opportunity. It’s not going to be easy.”

Ashley Callus,Chris Fydler,Michael Klim and Ian Thorpe celebrate their gold in the 4x100m relay at Sydney 2000. The Australians set a world record of 3:13.67 while Klim also broke the individual world record,finishing his leg in 48.18s.

Ashley Callus,Chris Fydler,Michael Klim and Ian Thorpe celebrate their gold in the 4x100m relay at Sydney 2000. The Australians set a world record of 3:13.67 while Klim also broke the individual world record,finishing his leg in 48.18s.Credit:Vince Caligiuri

Olympic greats Ian Thorpe,Michael Phelps,Grant Hackett,Ariarne Titmus and Duncan Armstrong - as well as iconic Australian coach Laurie Lawrence - were interviewed for the project,which explores the long-standing rivalry between two heavyweights of world swimming.

“We always want to smash them every time we get up on the blocks,” Hackett says in the documentary.

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2024 Australian swimming trials;exclusive,live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now from Monday June 10. Finals start at 7.30pm AEST each night.

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