MACK & EASE

MACK HORTON. It’s the type of coolly formidable name that would suit a rock star or secret agent. It works equally well for one of Australia’s best medal hopes heading into the delayed Tokyo Olympics. But instead of press interviews backstage at Coachella or over a high-stakes poker game in Monaco, this particular Horton prefers to schedule his media commitments carefully between training and his afternoon nap.

It’s thanks, perhaps, to this laid-back approach to the impending Games that Horton presents as one of Australia’s calmest and most confident athletes, despite what headlines over the years may have had you believe. From the outset, Horton’s demeanour is far removed from the images of podium protests that were splashed across the world; instead, it’s that of a warm, calm and extremely affable young man.

Heading into the Rio Olympics five years ago, Horton was the challenger. Heading into last month’s trials for Tokyo, he was the reigning Olympic champion in the 400m freestyle. While most in his position would be feeling the pressure to live up to their exalted status – while dealing with the added frustration of pandemic-related training disruptions – Horton is remarkably philosophical. “Pressure is a privilege,” he told ahead of the trials, echoing the coping mantra of many a great champion. “The