The Highly-Anticipated Paris Showdown: The Next Chapter of the Kaylee McKeown vs. Regan Smith Rivalry
As the countdown to the Olympic Games in Paris continues, the excitement and anticipation for specific matchups only grow stronger. One of the most thrilling rivalries to watch out for is set to unfold in the women’s backstroke events, where Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown and American swimmer Regan Smith are poised to battle it out for the gold medal.
Looking back at their performances in the previous championships, it is evident that McKeown and Smith have a fierce competition. At the World Championships in Fukuoka, they claimed the gold-silver spots in the backstroke events. Smith, who was the world champion in the 100 backstroke in the previous year, faced tough competition from McKeown at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, where McKeown secured a clean sweep in the backstroke events while Smith took home the bronze in the 100 back.
The In-Season Showdowns and Dominance in the Rankings
In a recent display of their extraordinary talent and form, both Smith and McKeown showcased exceptional performances in the 100 backstroke and 200 backstroke events. At the TYR Pro Series in Westmont, Illinois, Smith clocked an impressive time of 57.64 in the 100 backstroke and a remarkable 2:03.99 in the 200 backstroke. On the other hand, at the NSW State Championships, McKeown put up a fierce competition with timings of 57.57 in the 100 back and 2:04.21 in the 200 backstroke.
As if their head-to-head battles weren’t thrilling enough, both McKeown and Smith dominate the all-time rankings in backstroke events. The top spots in the 100 backstroke are mostly occupied by McKeown and Smith, with McKeown holding eight out of the top 12 times. Similarly, in the 200 backstroke, they have claimed 15 of the 17 fastest times ever recorded, showcasing their supremacy in the pool.
