Masse Climbs Tokyo Backstroke Ladder with Canadian Record 57.70

2021 CANADIAN OLYMPIC SWIMMING TRIALS

Kylie Masse broke her own four year-old Canadian Record in the 100 back tonight at the Canadian Olympic Trials, blasting a 57.70 that makes her the 2nd-fastest woman in the world this year, and moves her ahead of Kathleen Baker and Kathleen Dawson to #3 all-time in the event.

2020-2021 LCM Women 100 Back

2Regan
Smith
USA57.6407/29
3Kylie
Masse
CAN57.7006/19
4Kathleen
Dawson
GBR58.0805/23
5Olivia
Smoliga
USA58.3105/15
View Top 26»

Masse was is one of six Canadian swimmers who were “pre-qualified” for the Olympics, after Swimming Canada first shifted its Trials date from April to May (and then later to June).

This race was already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events of next month’s Olympic Games, and Masse’s swim today makes the very top-end of the field even more crowded. Four of the five fastest women all-time in this event should be competing in Tokyo, meaning at least one of them will miss out on a medal of any color, and it’s quite possibly that we could see three sub-58 efforts.

All-Time Rankings, Women’s 100 Back

  1. Kaylee McKeown (AUS) – 57.43, 2021
  2. Regan Smith (USA) – 57.57, 2019
  3. Kylie Masse (CAN) – 57.70, 2021
  4. Kathleen Baker (USA) – 58.00, 2018
  5. Kathleen Dawson (GBR) – 58.08, 2021

Masse’s improvement came on the front, where she was out 28.07 today compared to 28.51 in 2017. Her back half splits were essentially identical, with a 29.63 today versus a 29.59 in 2017.

2021 2017
1st 50 28.07 28.51
2nd 50 29.63 29.59
Total 57.70 58.10

Race Video:

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Coach Mike 1952
2 years ago

Dropping .40 in a hundred is no joke at that level. Unfortunately, the race video above has a sound overlay, they don’t even call Kylie’s swim, & then in the interview afterwards, there is no sound from her mike.

Last edited 2 years ago by Coach Mike 1952
Andy Hardt
2 years ago

Kylie Masse is the Simone Manuel of the 100 backstroke. She’s one of the fastest, although probably not *the* fastest, but count her out at your peril.

oxyswim
Reply to  Andy Hardt
2 years ago

Got to do it at the Olympics too before she’s at the same level as Manuel, but she could certainly do it.

Old Man Chalmers
Reply to  Andy Hardt
2 years ago

uh masse literally went into budapest with a 58.21 which was by far the fastest time in the world

Troyy
Reply to  Old Man Chalmers
2 years ago

Also had the leading time going into Gwangju.

SwimmerNotSwammer
2 years ago

wow

Casas 100 back gold in Fukuoka
2 years ago

wow. People have been talking about Regan VS Kaylee all the time but the reigning world champion doesn’t want to leave the chat yet.

SwimFan NU
Reply to  Casas 100 back gold in Fukuoka
2 years ago

It’s kinda funny how overlooked the 2 time world champion has been. I don’t think Rowdy has mentioned her name once when talking about the backstroke events (not that Rowdy is an expert in the sport clearly)

M d e
Reply to  SwimFan NU
2 years ago

Because 58.1 was no longer a relevant time. In terms of winning world championships or olympics.

57.7 is.

Last edited 2 years ago by M d e
Nono
2 years ago

I just looked at her 100 back results and it was mighty impressive.

Rio Olympics 16 – Bronze
World Champs 17 – Gold
Commonwealth Games 18 – Gold
Pan Pacs 18 – Gold
World Champs 19 – Gold

She has proven herself in big stages when swimming side by side with the favorites. That is her edge.
With a sub 58 under her belt, she’ll fight for that olympic gold.

Can’t wait for Tokyo uggg

Siobhan
Reply to  Nono
2 years ago

I would give the edge to Masse because of everything you’ve listed, and the fact that when she’s competed against
Kaylee McKeown she’s beaten her every time. In addition, Reagan Smith is not a “natural sprinter” and her better event is the 200m backstroke. If she’s really on, she’s capable of winning the 100m, but the 200m suits her better.

Last edited 2 years ago by Siobhan
Troyy
Reply to  Siobhan
2 years ago

A lot has changed since McKeown last raced Masse and Smith went out in 27.74 in her WR swim so probably was in WR form in the 50 back or close to it.

Siobhan
Reply to  Troyy
2 years ago

Good points.

Siobhan
Reply to  Siobhan
2 years ago

Well so much for Reagan in the 200m backstroke!

There's no doubt that he's tightening up
Reply to  Siobhan
2 years ago

Kaylee McKeown: my powers have doubled since the last time we met

SwimFan NU

Clearly Masse has upped her game too

M d e
Reply to  Siobhan
2 years ago

The fact she has beaten Kaylee is irrelevant. Kaylee was a baby when they last raced and is a completely different swimmer now.

I’m saying that she definitely has a shot at the win.

Will take another couple tenths faster I would think, as I expect one of the young girls to deliver a swim at around or under the WR at minimum, meaning 57.7 won’t cut it.

SwimFan NU
2 years ago

The final could be slower with the added pressure of how tight the race is but I’m expecting some super fast times in the semifinals and I’m stoked. Who woulda thought 58.0 only put you in fifth heading into finals even 2 years ago

Matterson
2 years ago

Way to go Kylie!! Although the competition has become fierce you have shown great determination to compete. Can’t wait for Tokyo!

Backstrokebro
2 years ago

honestly, Masse is my favorite win now. Smith, Mckeown, and Masse are the only ones in 57, and Masse has the experience and pedigree. She’s proven she has the ability to get her hand on the wall first, which I think is far more important than times. In my head, Imcomparing this to Manuel vs Sjostrom/Campbell over the last quad in the spring frees, and its like that, except Masse’s times are closer and her competitors are significantly younger and less experienced. However, that does give them more room to drop, so I could be totally wrong here

Dan
Reply to  Backstrokebro
2 years ago

I would say McKeown

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