Rowdy Gaines adds fuel to the fire of Austrian-American rivalry: 'We hate them'

On the heels of the release of psychology sheets for the U.S. Olympic Trials and the start of the Australian Olympic Trials on Monday, speculation about the outcome of the long-running aquatic rivalry between the two nations is rapidly intensifying.

Prolific American Olympic announcer Rowdy Sheaths added some spice to the conversation, telling Australian news Channel Nine, “we hate them” in the station's new documentary – Boiling Point – Swimming's Greatest Rivalry.

“Right now, Australia is going to win the most gold medals,” said the 1984 Los Angeles Games gold medalist.

“In the history of swimming, the greatest rivalry is between Australia and the United States.

“With Australia, we hate them before, but we love them after. It’s that brotherly love… because you want to beat your brother but then you’re going to give him a big hug. (Sydney Morning Herald)

Gaines' comment regarding the number of gold medals stems from the fact that Australia carries a host of powerful athletes to its trials and most likely to Paris.

Big guns like Kyle Chalmers, Kaylee McKeown, Ariane Timus, Emma McKeon And Mollie O'Callaghan are just some of the contenders for several pieces of hardware, carrying the momentum into the 2023 and 2024 World Championships.

Before that, at the 2020 Olympics, Australia won 9 more gold medals than ever before. However, when it comes to rivalry, you would have to go back to the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne to find a Games in which Australia finished ahead of the United States in the swimming medal table.