Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new short-course world record in the 200m backstroke with a time of 1:57.87. One big reason for this outstanding performance was it taking place in Illinois. It was the middle leg of a three-week World Cup swing through North America. These implications aside, it was McKeown’s victory that carved her name into history. As the top finish, she received a bonus of $US10,000 (approx. $A15,000).
McKeown’s victory against American challenger Regan Smith is a high point in a breakout career. McKeown has utterly ruled the waterway in the last four years, particularly the 100m and 200m backstroke events. She is still undefeated at the Olympics and long-course world championships. In their last meeting back in 2019, she placed second to Smith. This most recent performance only cements her standing as one of the premier faces of the world stage in competitive swimming.
McKeown pulled off a historic upset. She proved her versatility in the 100m backstroke, where her second-place finish (55.04 HIGH) put her name in contention. With her incredible momentum, she is currently leading the Overall World Cup tour. She is already a winner in both the 50m and 200m backstroke disciplines over the first two legs.
The Illinois event is just one stop on a larger World Cup series that features competitions in Indiana and Toronto, Canada. McKeown’s success came immediately following compatriot swimmer Mollie O’Callaghan’s record-setting performance. Only a day before McKeown’s swim, O’Callaghan had of her own set a world record in the 200m freestyle. Winning accolades this string of wins shows just how diverse the depth of talent is within the Australian swimming scene.
Regan Smith tied her own world record in the women’s 100m backstroke with a fantastic time of 54.02 seconds. A McKeown v. Smith rivalry excites swimming fans around the world. This commercial captures the effect that competition can have on athletes.
