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Redcliffe-born swimmer Kaylee McKeown has secured gold in the women’s 100m backstroke at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, extending her unbeaten record in the event.
Background of a Champion
Kaylee McKeown, originally from Redcliffe, competed in the 100m backstroke final on 30 July 2025 at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore following a challenging year marked by injury and coaching changes. Despite dislocating her shoulder shortly before the Australian team’s staging camp in Darwin, she entered the event aiming to regain form and rediscover her enjoyment of the sport.
McKeown, 24, has not lost a major international final in the 100m backstroke since 2019. She won Olympic gold in the event at both the Tokyo and Paris Games and claimed her first world title in 2023.
New Record, Familiar Rivals
In the 100m backstroke final, McKeown trailed American swimmer Regan Smith at the turn but closed the gap in the final 50 metres to touch the wall first in 57.16 seconds. The time set a new Championship, Commonwealth, Oceania, and Australian record, just 0.03 seconds outside Smith’s world mark. Smith and fellow American Katharine Berkoff completed the podium, finishing second and third respectively.
This was McKeown’s second world championship win in the event and marked her 28th consecutive international victory in the 100m backstroke since early 2021. She now holds five individual world titles in backstroke events and remains unbeaten in global 100m backstroke finals for six years.
Shift in Training and Mindset
The gold medal followed significant changes to McKeown’s training environment. After her former coach relocated, she moved to the Sunshine Coast to train under Michael Sage at USC Spartans. The switch, along with a renewed focus on personal well-being, led to improved performances. McKeown also spoke of the emotional and mental challenges she faced after the Paris Olympics, describing this championship as part of a process of rediscovering enjoyment in the sport.
Despite entering the meet with doubts about competing, McKeown stated her primary focus was overcoming internal pressure rather than chasing medals. Her result exceeded expectations after limited training due to injury.
Additional Australian Performances
Fellow Australian Lani Pallister earned bronze in the 1500m freestyle, finishing behind American Katie Ledecky and Italy’s Simona Quadarella. Pallister clocked 15:41.18, her second-fastest time ever, after a strong start alongside Ledecky in the opening laps.
Also advancing to event finals were Mollie O’Callaghan and Jamie Perkins in the 200m freestyle, along with Harrison Turner in the 200m butterfly. Turner became the first Australian male in 22 years to qualify for a world final in that event.
Looking Ahead
With her performance in Singapore, McKeown has set a strong tone for the lead-up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Her sustained excellence in the pool continues to highlight Redcliffe as the home of one of Australia’s most successful swimmers.
Published 30-July-2025
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