‘Not Expected’: Humble Kaylee McKeown Signs Off Day 2 With $10,000 After New World Record at Swimming World Cup 2023

The Swimming World Cup 2023 has reached its pinnacle, with the last leg underway in Hungary. During the three-leg swimming event, the world has witnessed several swimmers make a splash with each appearance in the pool. Kaylee McKeown from Australia undoubtedly tops that list, showcasing relentless dominance throughout the World Cup, and no one stood a chance against her. McKeown has once again secured the podium finish in the women’s 100-meter backstroke and took home the victory, breaking the world record in the latter category.

The Australian swimming prodigy, who has made breaking world records a habit, also bagged the 100-meter backstroke crown and the additional cash prize of $10,000 that came with it.

The champion does it again

According to the live coverage provided by FINA on their YouTube channel, the 22-year-old swimmer, positioned in lane 5, entered the pool and jetted off to an impressive start. She took an early lead and maintained it until the end, ultimately winning the race with an incredible time of 57.33 seconds. With this, the Australian sensation also broke the world record of 57.45 seconds. After her record-breaking performance, she was asked what was going through her mind, to which the Olympian replied, “I don’t know, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting that at all tonight. I had a feeling that I could get close, but I never thought I’d go under a million years.”

Kylie Masse and Ingrid Wilm of Canada finished second and third, respectively, with 59.26 and 59.64 seconds on the clock. McKeown had an ideal start to the race with a reaction time of 0.54, which was best compared to all the swimmers competing against her. The Redcliffe native was crowned the 100-meter backstroke queen along with the $10,000 bonus cash reward. It is the second day of her winning a crown, breaking the world record as she displayed the same brilliance during the first day of the Hungarian leg.

Australian swimming prodigy’s record-breaking run

McKeown was triumphant in all three legs, and during the Day 1 finals of the Hungarian leg, she blazed through the Duna Arena in the women’s 50-meter backstroke. She touched the wall in an impeccable 26.86 seconds, which also broke the previous record set by McKeown herself. She was followed by Canadian swimmers Ingrid Wilm and Kylie Masse, who secured the second and third positions by finishing the race in 27.68 and 27.68, respectively.

Read More: Who Are Kaylee McKeown’s Parents? – Know All About the Couple That Filled the 22 YO’s Olympic Dream

But it was just not enough to beat the backstroke genius. Now with everything and the $20,000 additional cash prize in her bag, she must be filled with much-needed confidence just before the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her recent achievements have set the stage for her upcoming participation in the  Paris event with high expectations.

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