Aussie swim star Kaylee McKeown claims world championships gold
The 24-year-old Queenslander stormed home to take the gold in 57.16 seconds, holding off American rival Regan Smith (57.35) to grab top spot on the podium.
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McKeown's time was a championship and Australian record and she reportedly achieved the feat despite battling a dislocated shoulder in recent weeks.
A two-time Olympian, McKeown can boast five Olympic gold medals, one silver and three bronze from her glittering career in the pool so far.
And she proved she has plenty left in the tank with her thrilling performance at the Singapore Sports Hub.
'McKeown laying down the challenge here, she's gone up on level terms here,' a commentator said in the final stages of the nailbiting race.
'Smith and McKeown, it's Smith in front but McKeown is now taking over the lead.
'McKeown goes in and takes the gold and takes the championship record!'
SMH journalist Tom Decent reported prior to Tuesday night's final that the Aussie superstar had been dealing with a dislocated shoulder in the build-up to the championships.
'Some news regarding Kaylee McKeown ahead of her showdown tonight with USA's Regan Smith in the women's 100m backstroke final,' he tweeted.
'Can reveal McKeown dislocated her shoulder in recent weeks. Something she's been managing plus other niggles.'
So her performance brought some huge praise from the swimming world online.
An X account called @herwaysports tweeted: 'Australia's Kaylee McKeown has added to her incredible legacy, breaking the World Champs and Oceania record tonight on her way to 100m Backstroke gold tonight in Singapore.
'Her time of 57.16 was just ahead of American arch rival Regan Smith.'
Swimming identity Kyle Sockwell wrote: 'This rivalry between Kaylee McKeown and Regan Smith is wildly under-appreciated. What a race again.'
Another X user replied: 'Rivalry or one sided domination, brother? Kaylee smashes her every time when it counts.'
The official World Aquatics account wrote: 'Big big thumbs up for Kaylee McKeown!
Championships and Australian Record to secure the Gold Medal on the Women's 100m Backstroke!'
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