"The Missile" Magnussen's gold in the 100m freestyle at the 2011 FINA World Championships in Shanghai marked him as the first Australian man to win this prestigious event since the World Championships began in 1973, and the first Australian to win it at a major meet in 43 years.
At the same championships, Magnussen also led Australia’s 4×100m freestyle team to gold with his opening split of 47.49 seconds, making him the fastest man in history over that distance in a textile suit. Additionally, he anchored Australia’s 4×100m medley relay to silver with an astonishing 47-second final leg.
At the 2011 Australian Swimming Championships, Magnussen became the new 100m freestyle National champion. He had previously anchored the Australian men’s 4×100m freestyle relay team to a gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
