Meet Kaylee McKeown, the Australian swimmer who beat Regan Smith and Katharine Berkoff in the 100m backstroke at Paris Olympics

By Nancy Singh

Modified Jul 30, 2024 21:33 GMT

Kaylee McKeown, a 23-year-old Australian swimmer, proved her prospect as a formidable swimmer on Day 4 of the Paris Olympics 2024. She trounced American swimmers Regan Smith and Katharine Berkoff to clinch the gold medal in the 100m backstroke event.

The Australian swimmer gracefully defended her 100m backstroke title at the Paris Olympics by recording a time of 57.33s, which is also the new Olympic record. She trounced one of her arch-rivals in the pool, Regan Smith, who posted a time of 57.66, claiming second place in the event. Katharine Berkoff claimed third place with a time of 57.98s.

McKeown previously claimed gold in the 100m backstroke at the Tokyo Olympics, setting an Olympic record of 57.47 seconds in the final. This historic victory also marked her as the first Australian woman to win gold in a backstroke event at the Olympics. Let's dive deep into the career and life of the 23-year-old swimmer:

Who are Kaylee McKeown's parents?

Kaylee McKeown is the daughter of Sharon McKeown and Sholto McKeown. Her father, who taught the swimmer to seize every opportunity in life, passed away in August 2020. He was diagnosed with grade-four glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Who is the coach of Kaylee Mckeown?

Kaylee McKeown is coached by legendary Australian swimming mentor Michael Bohl. He has coached numerous Olympic champions over the years. Bohl also coaches Lani Pallister and Jani Pallister.

Did Regan Smith take down Kaylee McKeown's world record before the Paris Olympics?

Yes, Regan Smith surpassed McKeown's world record in the 100m backstroke at the US Olympic trials at the Lucas Oil Stadium. The American registered a time of 57.13s, smashing the Australian's record of 57.33, which was set in 2023. Despite their fierce rivalry, the swimmers maintain mutual respect. In fact, Smith praised McKeown's mental fortitude after breaking her record. (as quoted by Star Tribune)

"She's an exceptionally strong mental competitor," said Smith. "She just knows how to get it done, and I really respect that about her."

Kaylee McKeown's achievements

McKeown has consistently excelled in her career, particularly at the World Championships. Currently holding world records in the long course 50m, long course 200m, and short course 200m backstroke events, she added to her impressive resume with another gold medal at the ongoing Paris Olympics. Her Olympic medal count now stands at four golds and one bronze.

She won three golds at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke, and 4x100m medley. She also won a bronze medal in the 4x100m mixed relay. The swimmer has a total of 12 long-course World Championship medals, of which four are gold and eight are silver. She has also amassed a collection of three gold, one silver, and one bronze medal at the short-course World Championships.