Kaylee McKeown Cements Legend Status With Historic Backstroke Trifecta

2023 WORLD AQUATICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

One day after we saw the first man sweep all three distances of the same stroke at a World Championships we were treated to the same feat on the women’s side

Yesterday Qin Haiyang clinched his historic achievement by adding the 50m breast gold to his previous victories in the 100m and 200m. Tonight, it was Kaylee McKeown of Australia who got it done, capping off her trio in the 200m back.

McKeown claimed the 200m back gold this evening in a very quick result of 2:03.85 (1:00.81/1:03.04) within striking distance of her own World Record of 2:03.14 established earlier this year. The performance checks in as the 6th-fastest ever and the 22-year-old now owns 6 of the top 10 swims ever produced in this 200m back race.

Top 10 Women’s LCM 200 Backstroke Performances

    1. 2:03.14 – Kaylee McKeown (AUS) 2023
    2. 2:03.35 – Regan Smith (USA) 2019
    3. 2:03.69 – Regan Smith (USA) 2019
    4. 2:03.70 – Kaylee McKeown (AUS) 2023
    5. 2:03.80 – Regan Smith (USA) 2023
    6. 2:03.85 – Kaylee McKeown (AUS) 2023
    7. 2:04.06 – Missy Franklin (USA) 2012
    8. 2:04.18 – Kaylee McKeown (AUS) 2023
    9. 2:04.28 – Kaylee McKeown (AUS) 2021
    10. 2:04.31 – Kaylee McKeown (AUS) 2021
Tonight’s effort got the Aussie to the wall over a second ahead of Regan Smith of the United States who touched in 2:04.94 while China’s Peng Xuwei rounded out the podium in 2:06.74.McKeown claimed 50m back gold here in a time of 27.08, a new Oceanic Record while she also grabbed the top prize in the 100m with a result of 57.53, a Championships Record.

She is the reigning Olympic champion in both the 100m and 200m backstroke events, following up with 200m back gold last year in Budapest. McKeown also topped the 100m and 200m back podiums at last year’s Commonwealth Games.

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Mike Denes
9 months ago

Speaking of winning 50-100-200 at the same World Championships, how does it look if we include short course World Championships as well? Any other than Ryan Murphy (yeah, I know about the 50 back controversy) 2022 in Melbourne?

Last edited 9 months ago by Mike Denes
IRO
Reply to  Mike Denes
9 months ago

I’m pretty sure Rebecca Soni did that once.

Fukuoka Gold
Reply to  IRO
9 months ago

….

Last edited 9 months ago by Fukuoka Gold
Mike Denes
Reply to  IRO
9 months ago

Yes, Dubai 2010

Carlo
9 months ago

Kaylee seems capable of casually dropping a 57 100 back and a 2:03 200 back even when flat out exhausted.

Sub13
Reply to  Carlo
9 months ago

To go a 2:03 when she’s had an absolute monster of a schedule is so impressive

GrameziPT
9 months ago

Mcweown has a mental edge over Regan Smith. I hope Reagan can overcome that at some point (maybe next year or in time for a home Olympics) because I think smith can still get those WR back

WillW
Reply to  GrameziPT
9 months ago

She also possesses a physical edge. Why can’t everyone just accept that Kaylee McKeown the better swimmer? How many more times does she have to defeat Regan Smith? Aren’t the Tokyo Olympics and these world championships enough proof as to who the best – mentally and physically – is?

Fukuoka Gold
Reply to  WillW
9 months ago

These people are imagining Regan still holds WR and refuse realty lol

Big T
9 months ago

The GOAT Female Backstroke 100m 200m Olympic Gold medallist 50,10,200m World Champion 100m and 200m WR holder.

Wow
Reply to  Big T
9 months ago

Not yet.

Oceania
Reply to  Wow
9 months ago

Why not yet?

Fukuoka Gold
9 months ago

What a legend.

A shame about 200IM dq

Torchbearer
Reply to  Fukuoka Gold
9 months ago

I agree BUT I wonder if it helped her energy levels for the three Backstroke events…we will never know!

Australia Kings
9 months ago

Kaylee can be our own Phelps. Thorpe watch out..

Troyy
9 months ago

Regan’s 2:03 from trials should be in that list as well.

Emily Se-Bom Lee
Reply to  Troyy
9 months ago

and kaylee’s 2:04.18 should be ahead of her 2:04.28

Jasmine
9 months ago

Wow, we are so lucky to see not one, but two gold trifectas here! Congrats Kaylee!

Oceania
Reply to  Jasmine
9 months ago

3 golds

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Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having just earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

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