Winning start for Magnussen’s European tour

In a bid to experience some international racing before the Commonwealth Games next year, James Magnussen is currently competing in Europe.

And the seasoned NSWIS swimmer couldn’t have gotten off to a better start, winning gold in the 100m freestyle at the Mare Nostrum series in Monte Carlo over the weekend.

Magnussen won the race in 49.11 sec, beating out fellow Aussie Cameron McEvoy (49.53) and Russian Nikita Lobintsev (49.51sec).

For Magnussen, the tour is a chance to enjoy a European summer, but also an important part of his training in the lead up to Gold Coast 2018.

“It’s really getting a feel for racing again, being comfortable in those high pressure situations, and just being exposed to some international competition that we aren’t often exposed to here in Australia” said Magnussen.

Inside NSWIS caught up with Magnussen prior to the tour, watch the full interview with James and one of his coaches Lach Falvey below.