Beijing Olympics 2008

Brits was selected in the squad for the 4 × 200-metre freestyle relay for the 2008 Summer Olympics. He helped Australia qualify sixth in the heats where he was the fastest of the four heats swimmers. This effort resulted in the selectors deciding to retain him for the final of the 4 × 200-metre freestyle relay. He swam the third leg of the relay, the Australians managed to secure a surprise bronze in the event; handing Brits his first Olympic Medal.

Other Swimming Achievements

Brits also held a world record. In 2007 Brits was part of the team that set a new world record the 4 × 200 metre freestyle short-course relay. They completed the course in 6 min 52.66 s.

At the 2007 World Aquatics Championships in Melbourne, Brits competed in the 4 × 200 m freestyle relay. He swam the third leg in the heats, posting a time of 1 min 48.73 s to help Australia qualify second fastest for the final. He retained his position for the final, where he again swam the third leg. He maintained third place throughout his leg, and ended with a silver medal when Kenrick Monk overtook his Canadian counterpart on the anchor leg.

Brits' mother, Jeanette, swam for South Africa in the 1970s.