Two-time Australian Olympic champion Kaylee McKeown clocked the third-fastest 100 m backstroke of all time in Melbourne on Wednesday, qualifying for the world swimming championships to be held in Japan in July. The 21-year-old swimmer clocked 57.50 seconds, just missing her own world record of 57.45 seconds and beating 100 m freestyle world champion Mollie O’Callaghan. McKeown, who also holds the 200 m backstroke world record, now has the three fastest 100 m backstroke times in history.
“I felt great. I’m doing my best to be in good condition for the world championships,” she said. “Without the presence of ‘Molls’ (O’Callaghan), I don’t think I would have swum as fast. It’s always great to have him by my side, I love it,” added the Australian, who also won the 200 m 4-swim on Tuesday. Mollie O’Callaghan’s 58.42 seconds also qualified her for the World Championships in Fukuoka, where the two swimmers will meet their great rival, American Regan Smith. In Melbourne, McKeown will also compete in the 50 m backstroke, 200 m backstroke and 200 m freestyle.
On the men’s side, Mitch Larkin, another backstroke specialist (2015 world champion in the 100 and 200 m), is injured and has withdrawn from Australia’s qualifiers for the world championships in Japan.
