McKeown cruises to 100m backstroke crown at Australian trials

Adelaide, Australia: Olympic gold medallist Kaylee McKeown eased to the 100m backstroke title at the Australian trials on Monday as she builds towards another showdown with American arch-rival Regan Smith at the Singapore world championships.

McKeown, whose world record was taken by Smith last year, coasted home at Adelaide in 57.71 seconds ahead of Olympic 200m freestyle champion Mollie O´Callaghan (58.85), who also qualified. McKeown and Smith share the 20 fastest times in history with their showdown at the worlds in Singapore next month shaping as another major highlight in their storied rivalry.

“There´s still a lot of work that needs to go in, but that´s just where I am at the moment,” said McKeown, who holds the world record in the 50m and 200m backstroke.