Thursday, 26 October 2017: Kyle Chalmers is the fastest qualifier for the 100m freestyle final at the national short course swimming championships in Adelaide.

Olympic gold medallist Kyle Chalmers has made a confident return to competitive swimming at the national short course championships in Adelaide.

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The 19-year-old, who underwent surgery in June to correct a heart condition, was the fastest qualifier, in 48.21sec, for Thursday night's 100m freestyle final.

Chalmers said he was excited to have the opportunity to claim his first national short course title.

"I guess that (elevated heart rate) is something I no longer have to worry about," Chalmers said.

"But I know I'm not at my best swimming so there's not a whole lot of confidence going on there."

Chalmers will be joined in the final by fellow South Australians Travis Mahoney (48.50) and Andrew Abood (48.66), the second and third-fastest qualifiers.

Cate Campbell won her first major national title with victory over Emma McKeon and Gemma Cooney in the 50m butterfly, in a time of 25.56sec.

Commonwealth record holder Emily Seebohm is eyeing a 23rd national short course title after qualifying behind Sian Whittaker for the 200m backstroke final.

Seebohm is also in contention for 400m individual medley glory after qualifying second to Rio Olympian Blair Evans.