2025 World Championships
- July 27 – August 3, 2025 (pool swimming)
- Singapore, Singapore
- World Aquatics Championships Arena
- LCM (50m)
- Meet Central
- Live Results
- SwimSwam Preview Index
- Psych Sheet (PDF)
Australian Kaylee McKeown’s World Championships lineup positions her to defend her backstroke crown after winning the 100 and 200 back in Paris last summer and sweeping all three backstroke events at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka.
McKeown’s event lineup and when to watch:
| Date | Event | Round | SGT (Singapore Time) | EST (US Eastern Time) |
AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
|
| Mon, July 28 | 100 Backstroke | Prelims | ~10:00 am | ~10:00 pm (July 27) | ~12:00 pm |
| Mon, July 28 | 100 Backstroke | Semifinals | ~7:00 pm | ~7:00 am | ~9:00 pm |
| Tues, July 29 | 100 Backstroke | Finals | ~7:00 pm | ~7:00 am | ~9:00 pm |
| Wed, July 30th | 50 Backstroke | Prelims | ~10:00 am | ~10:00 pm (July 29) | ~12:00 pm |
| Wed, July 30th | 50 Backstroke | Semifinals | ~7:00 pm | ~7:00 am | ~9:00 pm |
| Wed, July 30th | 4×100 Mixed Medley Relay | Finals | ~7:00 pm | ~7:00 am | ~9:00 pm |
| Thurs, July 31 | 50 Backstroke | Finals | ~7:00 pm | ~7:00 am | ~9:00 pm |
| Fri, August 1 | 200 Backstroke | Prelims | ~10:00 am | ~10:00 pm (July 31) | ~12:00 pm |
| Fri, August 1 | 200 Backstroke | Semifinals | ~7:00 pm | ~7:00 am | ~9:00 pm |
| Sat, August 2 | 200 Backstroke | Finals | ~7:00 pm | ~7:00 am | ~9:00 pm |
| Sun, August 3 | 4×100 Medley Relay | Finals | ~7:00 pm | ~7:00 am | ~9:00 pm |
The rivalry between McKeown and American Regan Smith will be on full display in Singapore. First, in the 100 backstroke, Smith holds the top seed in 57.13, with McKeown right behind at 57.33. These two have held the last four World Records in this event, with Smith as the current holder. This race will likely be one of the most anticipated races in Singapore.
They will also battle as the top two seeds in the 200 back, McKeown’s 2:03.30 holds a slight edge over Smith’s 2:03.99. Both competitors are the only ones in the field under 2:05, and will likely be swimming side by side once again in a thrilling race with gold on the line.
Smith is not the only American McKeown needs to keep her eye on. Katharine Berkoff will be racing the Aussie backstroker on two occasions, first in the 100 back, where Berkoff is seeded third behind Smith and McKeown, and leads the field for the 50 back. McKeown will have her hands full with the Americans in pursuit of defending her backstroke crown.
I’m gonna get so downvoted here. But love both. But surely the main picture here has to be nightmare fuel for regan, what a victory photo that is lol.
Still imagining a meet where Kaylee podiums on 50Bk and 400IM for a bit of fun.
Hard to predict but triple peat is still in play but less likely than 2023
kaylee should win the 200 back given her elite pacing in that race. The 50 and 100 backstrokes are looking like a battle – but given her monster resume and always finding a way – I think she can win
I think Berkoff wins 50, Smith 100, McKeown 200.
Seems the most likely outcome.
This year winning all three seems more complicated.
I think she’ll pull out the triple because she’s Kaylee McKeown and that’s what she does. If anything the 50 is one I could see her losing just because anything can happen in a 50. It would be crazy if Berkoff beat McKeown in a race before Smith does but I think it could happen…
Yeah there is a very decent chance of it. Honestly berkoff has a shot at the WR in the 50 as well
Why would it be “crazy”? Berkoff already finished ahead of McKeown in a race at the 2022 WCs. She went 27.39 in the 50 back and got silver; McKeown and Smith tied for 5th with 27.47.
Meanwhile, Smith hasn’t beaten McKeown in an individual event since 2019 (200 back at WCs).
Wasn’t Kaylee injured in 2022? She didn’t even swim her main lineup that year. Anyway, I think given how Kaylee and Regan have traded season bests for years and Regan is the 100 WR holder it’s pretty crazy she hasn’t at least beaten her once. A true testament to Kaylee’s racing ability. Even considering that, Regan is much more Kaylee’s main “rival” than Berkoff is
McKeown to win the 100 and 200. The 50 is up for grabs.