McKeown Expresses Disappointment Despite Close World Record Attempt

Kaylee McKeown has narrowly missed breaking her own world record in the second-fastest women’s 100m backstroke time ever recorded—and expressed disappointment.

During the Australia Olympic selection trials in Brisbane on Tuesday night, Ms. McKeown came within eight-hundredths of a second of her global record.

While Mitch Larkin missed his chance to be the first Australian man chosen to compete in four Olympics, McKeown fell just shy of her high expectations.

She finished first in 57.41 seconds, coming close to her record of 57.33 set in Budapest back in October 2023.

“I’m a little bit disappointed,” Ms. McKeown admitted.

“But I have secured another spot for Paris, so that gives me another opportunity to improve my time.”

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The 22-year-old now holds the six fastest times in the history of this event.

The reigning Olympic champion in the 100m and 200m backstroke events is expanding her lineup to include the 200m individual medley at the upcoming Paris Games.

On the night of June 10, Ms. McKeown set a Commonwealth record in the medley, a performance that may have impacted her quest for a new backstroke record.

“If you’re giving your all in a 200m medley, you won’t feel fully refreshed the next day—no matter what you do,” she explained.

“The Olympics is similar in that regard. If everything goes as planned, I will be competing in nine individual events plus relays, so I have to take risks.”

Mollie O’Callaghan, a freestyle specialist, finished second with a time of 57.88 and secured a place in what she considers her “enjoyable event.”

Due to her busy freestyle schedule, Ms. O’Callaghan might choose not to participate in the backstroke event in Paris.

“I’m not sure yet. It depends on whether I qualify for the upcoming freestyle events, that’s the main factor,” stated the world record holder in the 200m freestyle.

“The 100 backstroke is fun for me, I don’t specifically train for it, so achieving a time of 57 seconds is incredible.”

Triple Olympian Larkin finished fourth in the men’s 100m backstroke final, missing his opportunity to make history by becoming the first Australian man to compete in four consecutive Games.

Isaac Cooper claimed first place with a time of 53.46, followed by Bradley Woodward (53.53), Enoch Robb (54.14), and Larkin (54.22), who still has the 200m backstroke event ahead on Friday.

All four swimmers failed to meet the automatic Olympic qualifying time set by Swimming Australia, leaving the selection decision to the organization.

“We have to wait and see what decision Swimming Australia will make,” noted Mr. Cooper.

In the women’s 100m breaststroke final, Jenna Strauch (1:06.90) narrowly beat Ella Ramsay (1:06.94).

In the men’s 200m freestyle, Max Giuliani emerged victorious with a time of 1:45.83, finishing ahead of Thomas Neill (1:46.02).