McKeown breaks 15-year-old Rice record as Winnington stuns Short

Kaylee McKeown, a talented backstroke swimmer from Australia, made history at the Australian Swimming Trials in Adelaide on April 20, 2022, by breaking a 15-year-old national record held by Emily Seebohm in the 100m backstroke event. McKeown clocked a time of 58.72 seconds, shaving off a mere 0.02 seconds from Seebohm's previous record, which was set back in 2007. This impressive feat places McKeown at the top of the Australian rankings and positions her as a strong contender for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

McKeown's victory at the trials was not only significant due to her record-breaking performance but also because she managed to outswim her main rival, Emily Seebohm, who finished second with a time of 59.03 seconds. This result marked a surprising turn of events, as Seebohm had been considered the favorite to secure a spot on the Australian team for the Olympics, having won a bronze medal in this event at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

McKeown's impressive form extends beyond the 100m backstroke event, as she also broke the Australian records in the 200m backstroke and the 50m backstroke at the trials, further solidifying her position as a versatile and dominant force in Australian swimming. Her performances have left no doubt that she is a formidable competitor and a serious threat to her international rivals, particularly those from China and the United States, who have historically dominated this event at the Olympics.

McKeown's achievements at the Australian Swimming Trials are a clear indication of her dedication, hard work, and determination to succeed at the highest level of competitive swimming. Her impressive performances have left many excited about her potential at the upcoming Paris Olympics, where she will be aiming to make a significant impact and secure a place on the Australian podium.

In summary, Kaylee McKeown made history at the Australian Swimming Trials by breaking a 15-year-old national record in the 100m backstroke event, outswimming her main rival Emily Seebohm, and setting new records in the 200m and 50m backstroke events. Her impressive form positions her as a strong contender for the upcoming Paris Olympics and a dominant force in Australian swimming.