At the 2011 FINA World Championships, James also led Australia’s 4×100m freestyle team to gold with his opening split of 47.49, making him the fastest man in history over the distance wearing a textile suit. He also led Australia’s 4×100m medley relay to silver, with a final leg in an amazing 47 seconds.
At the 2011 Australian Swimming Championships, James become the new 100m freestyle National champion after having anchored the Australian men’s 4×100m freestyle relay team to a gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.