Australian swimming sensation Kaylee McKeown has triumphed over her American competitor Regan Smith, securing her first gold medal at the Singapore World Championships, despite recently dislocating her shoulder. The highly anticipated clash between McKeown and Smith showcased their rivalry during the 100-metre backstroke final, with the 200m backstroke yet to unfold.
McKeown achieved victory in the 100m backstroke with an impressive time of 57.16 seconds, setting both a personal best and a new championship record. Smith finished in second place at 57.35 seconds, while fellow American Katharine Berkoff claimed the bronze with a time of 58.15 seconds.
Post-race, McKeown expressed her emotions with Cate Campbell during a Nine broadcast, reflecting on her comeback from the previous Olympic Games. She emphasised the significance of overcoming pressure and nerves to perform successfully, stating, “to come out there tonight and just forget about all the pressure, forget about all the nerves and just swim really goes to show what I can do when I am relaxed.”
Prior to the final, it was reported that McKeown had suffered a shoulder dislocation two weeks before the championships in Darwin. She mentioned the need to manage her injuries carefully, aiming for sustained performance as she prepares for the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles.
The Singapore World Championships continue to excite fans with more thrilling competitions, and McKeown’s remarkable resilience in the face of adversity makes her achievements all the more inspiring.