Mack Horton

Mackenzie Horton is an Australian swimmer born on 25th April 1996. He is indigenous of Victoria city of Melbourne in Australia. Horton is a Freestyle specialist and represents Australia in 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m Freestyle events.

Background

Mack Hortan was born to Andrew Hortan and Cheryl Hortan. He was born and brought up in Victoria city in Melbourne. He has a younger brother Chad Hortan.

Mack picked up swimming when he was 10-year-old to overcome the fear of water. Three years later, in 2009, he began to pursue the sport seriously. Mack attended Caulfield Grammar School in his hometown. After graduating from high school, he joined the Australian Catholic University to pursue a degree in Business.

In 2017, Mack Hortan received the Order of Australia by the Australian Government in recognition of his service to the nation. He worked as an analyst for a year at the Commonwealth Games. He trains at Melbourne Vicentre swimming club under the tutelage of Craig Jacksons.

Rise to Glory

Mack Hortan received his first career breakthrough in 2012 when he won the Gold medal in 4x200m Freestyle and a Silver in 1500m Freestyle at the Australian Swimming Championships. That year, he competed at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships, where he won his first international title in 1500m Freestyle.

In 2013, Mack bagged 5 Gold medals in 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m Freestyle, and 4x100m Freestyle, and a Silver in 4x200m Freestyle at the World Junior Swimming Championships. At the 2014 Australian Swimming Championships, he clinched his first senior national title in 1500m Freestyle and also won a Silver in 400m Freestyle and a Bronze in 4x200m Freestyle.

Between 2012 and 2018, Mack Hortan had won over 15 national medals in 200m, 400m, 800m, Freestyle events, 4x200m Freestyle, and 200m Individual Medley at the Australian Swimming Championships. He holds the national record for 1500m Freestyle with the timing of 14:39:54s.

Major Achievements

Mack Horton made his senior international debut at the 2012 Swimming World Cup, where he won the 1500m Freestyle title in Singapore. Two years later, in 2014, he won the Gold medal in 4x200m Freestyle and a Silver in 1500m Freestyle at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Mack made his Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio Olympics and became Olympic Champion in 400m Freestyle. In 2018, he took home four medals at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, including two Gold medals in 400m Freestyle and 4x200m Freestyle, a Silver in 200m Freestyle, and a Bronze in 1500m Freestyle.

At the World Aquatics Championships, Mack Hortan had won a Gold medal in 4x200m Freestyle (2019), two Silver medals in 400m Freestyle (2017 and 2019), as many Bronze medals in 800m Freestyle (2015) and 1500m Freestyle (2017).

Mack Hortan is looking to qualify for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and shall be one of the strong contenders to medal in 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m Freestyle events.