Kaylee McKeown In Command of 100 Backstroke at Aussie Champs; Mollie O’Callaghan With Another Star Turn
There’s been some demands on Kaylee McKeown since she captured a pair of Olympic titles in Tokyo. She made a coaching change to Michael Bohl. She’s dealt with a shoulder injury. And expectations are always sky high when she gets in the water.
What hasn’t changed is her success.
Coming off a statement victory in the 400-meter individual medley, McKeown was the class of the field in the 100 backstroke during Friday night’s action at the Australian Championships in Adelaide. McKeown fired off a winning time of 58.49 to set herself up for a run at gold at the upcoming World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
After sweeping the 100 backstroke and 200 back in Tokyo, McKeown switched coaches from Chris Mooney to Bohl at Griffith University and needed to tend to a shoulder injury that she fought through at the Olympics. Yet, she managed to maintain her dominance in the water. In her latest outing, McKeown surged to the lead with an opening split of 28.74 and pulled away down the second length.
McKeown placed ahead of teenage standout Mollie O’Callaghan, who has put together a spectacular week in Adelaide. O’Callaghan checked in with the other sub-minute time of the race, going 59.12 to stamp another bid to the World Championships. O’Callaghan previously qualified for Worlds in the 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle and 50 backstroke, the 200 free earlier in the Friday program and featuring a sub-1:55 showing.
When McKeown arrives at the World Championships, it will mean another meeting with American Regan Smith and Canadian Kylie Masse. The women appeared on the podium together at the Olympic Games and their presence will mean a chase of McKeown’s world record of 57.45. At least for now, McKeown is simply pleased to set herself up for the summer.
“It’s been a challenge and I’m looking for a challenge in my swimming career,” McKeown said of the demands she has faced. “It’s good to have Michael Bohl…It’s day by day and about managing (injuries). It’s something I’m going to have deal with it. But that’s sport.”