Article by Phil Lutton, courtesy of the Australian Olympic Committee.
A rapid start, an explosive turn and a trademark powerhouse finish with the race on the line – that’s how Kaylee McKeown defended her Olympic 100m Backstroke crown to continue Australia’s golden run in the pool at the Paris La Défense Arena.
Kaylee came into the meet facing one of the toughest tests of any Australian as she took on talented American Regan Smith, who had just reclaimed the world record (57.13) at the US Olympic trials in Indiana.
While Kaylee’s winning mark of 57.33 was an Olympic record, it’s the medal she will cherish, adding to her Tokyo tally to become just the seventh Australian to win three individual gold medals across any sport, joining Ian Thorpe, Dawn Fraser, Shane Gould, Betty Cuthbert, Murray Rose and Ariarne Titmus.
Smith grabbed silver in 57.66 and fellow American Katherine Berkoff bronze in 57.98.
Kaylee was quick to race over to hug her family, including sister and Rio Olympic swimmer Taylor, later crediting their support for her success. She lost her father Sholto to brain cancer ahead of Tokyo and went on to record one of the most emotional victories in the Olympic pool in his honour.
“It’s amazing having them in the stands, people who have put you in this position to be able to fulfil your dreams. I’m not an easy person to deal with when it comes to racing. It’s definitely special to share moments like this with them,” Kaylee said.
She said she had been inspired by the brilliant start in the pool from the Australian women – including her Village apartment mate Mollie O’Callaghan – and couldn’t wait to keep the momentum rolling once she hit the water.
“It’s been awesome watching those girls. It’s just a really simple reminder just to enjoy everything and enjoy this moment because it’s not every day you become an Olympian and not every day you become an Olympic gold medallist.”
Kaylee still has the 200m Backstroke on her program, where she will start as heavy favourite, and the 200m IM, which she has added to her program since Tokyo.
She’ll wait until the end of the meet to reflect on her Games performance.
“When I swim down, that’s when I will switch off,” she said. “You can’t waste emotional energy … you have all the time in the world and the rest of your life to look back on this and enjoy it.
“I soak up every bit of it on the podium and hopefully I can get there again.”
Dolphins youngster Iona Anderson (58.98) finished fifth and announced herself as one to watch as the Australian backstroke ranks show quality and depth heading into the future.
