Rivalry intensifies: McKeown edges out Smith to claim another backstroke victory, leaving both swimmers jittery with pressure.
Headline: Kaylee McKeown Extends Rivalry dominance over Regan Smith in Women's Backstroke Swimming
Sub-headline: Australian champion Kaylee McKeown clinched another victory over Regan Smith in the 100m backstroke at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.
In the thrilling finale of the women's backstroke event, Kaylee McKeown edged out Regan Smith, setting a championship record time of 57.16 seconds. The Aussie swimmer's triumph marked her fourth consecutive victory over Smith in major competitions.
Smith, the current world record holder with a time of 57.13 seconds, had to settle for the silver medal, finishing just 0.19 seconds behind McKeown. Katharine Berkoff claimed the bronze.
The rivalry between McKeown and Smith has been a prominent feature in women's backstroke swimming, particularly in the 100m backstroke event. Both athletes have consistently pushed each other to exceptional performances, holding 23 of the top 25 all-time performances in the event.
Regan Smith, who set the world record in 2024, has faced challenges maintaining dominance in finals, with McKeown showing more consistency in top-level competition times. Over the past two years, McKeown has frequently posted mid-57 second swims, a feat Smith has yet to match in finals.
Despite the odds being stacked against the US squad in Singapore due to a gastroenteritis outbreak, Smith swam with the illness and managed to secure a personal best and third-fastest swim ever. Her happiness, she stated, contributed to her fast swim.
Smith, who previously held the world record in the 100m backstroke, was defeated by McKeown in the Paris Olympics. Nevertheless, Smith expressed pride and emotion after her performance in Singapore, acknowledging McKeown's dominance.
Their rivalry is marked by mutual respect and friendly competitiveness, as highlighted by their social media interactions during the 2025 World Championships. McKeown's victory in Singapore further cements her position as a dominant force in women's backstroke swimming.
[1] World Aquatics Championships 2025 Results: Women's 100m Backstroke Final [2] Swimming World Magazine: McKeown vs Smith - The Rivalry Continues [3] Olympic Channel: McKeown vs Smith - A Decade of Rivalry [4] Regan Smith & Kaylee McKeown - 2025 World Championships Social Media Interactions
The United States saw a setback in sports as Regan Smith, the American swimmer, finished second in the 100m backstroke at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, losing to her long-time rival, Kaylee McKeown of Australia. Despite Smith's illness, she still managed to secure a personal best and third-fastest swim ever in the event, showcasing her resilience in sports.
