Kyle Chalmers creates history in men's 100m freestyle at Rio 2016

Kyle Chalmers becomes first Australian in 48 years to win gold in men's 100m freestyle swimming event.

Eighteen-year-old swimmer Kyle Chalmers of Australia created history in the final of the men's 100m freestyle to become the new king of speed at Rio 2016. Chalmers broke Australia's 48-year-old drought in the men's freestyle to dethrone defending champion Nathan Adrian of the United States of America.

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Chalmers, who was seventh at the halfway mark, looked done and dusted only for him to produce a burst in the final 50 metres to overhaul the field and clock a personal best of 47.58 seconds.

kyle chalmers — Kyle Chalmers broke Australia's 48-year drought in the men's freestyle swimming event to win the gold medal Getty

With this win, Chalmers becomes the first Australian gold medallist in the event since Michael Wenden topped the podium at the 1968 Mexico Games. This is Australia's third swimming gold in Rio following Mark Horton and the women's 4X100 freestyle win on the opening night of the competition.

Here are some of the best reactions and Tweets on Chalmers's record- breaking feat at Rio 2016 Olympics.

Kyle Chalmers versus a variety of aquatic animals and vehicles #Olympics pic.twitter.com/GwW1Xy46jO
— Nick Evershed (@NickEvershed) August 11, 2016

Wow! What an effort Kyle Chalmers #Gold #SA
— Lleyton Hewitt (@lleytonhewitt) August 11, 2016

So apparently I've just won a gold medal!!! Get in there! Great way to wake up! #wrongkyle #IDontSwimImTooFat
— KyleChalmers (@kyle_chalmers) August 11, 2016

How good was that !! Kyle Chalmers you star ðŸŠðŸ…ðŸ‡¦ðŸ‡º
— Adam Oxley (@oxy_4) August 11, 2016

That was FAST!

18-year-old Australian Kyle Chalmers wins it

GB's Duncan Scott finishes 5thhttps://t.co/b87rfBg0qt pic.twitter.com/qLLDTcIuWM
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 11, 2016

KING KYLE! Kyle Chalmers #AUS wins GOLD in the men's 100m freestyle! #Swimming #Rio2016 https://t.co/Hrf5kDLJHW
— 7Olympics (@7olympics) August 11, 2016

Kyle Chalmers wears his goggles over his cap...So does he really win?
— NOTSwimSwam (@NotSwimSwam) August 11, 2016

#Rio2016 | Australia's Kyle Chalmers wins men's 100m freestyle at the #Olympics #Swimming pic.twitter.com/Hw3ArbkUsn
— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 11, 2016

#AUS's new Olympic Champion Kyle Chalmers accepts his #GOLD for the 100m freestyle. Well done Kyle! #Rio2016 https://t.co/MpxENjIzF6
— 7Olympics (@7olympics) August 11, 2016