Olympic champion Kaylee McKeown missed her 200 metres backstroke world record but swam the second fastest time in history at Australia’s Olympic trials on Thursday in a boost for her title defence at Paris.
Two nights after falling just short of her 100m world record, the brilliant 22-year-old clocked two minutes 3.30 seconds at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, 0.16 seconds off her best (2:03.14) at last year’s state championships.
McKeown, who will also defend her 100m backstroke title in Paris, was disappointed to miss the 100m world record on the night but had no regrets about the 200m.
“I was quite nervous. I really just wanted to enjoy tonight so I’m glad you could see it on camera,” she said pool-side.
No-one threatened McKeown in the 200m but 17-year-old runner-up Jaclyn Barclay gave a glimpse of her promise as she booked her first Games appearance. Eight months after giving birth, 32-year-old Emily Seebohm was fifth in the final, missing the chance to qualify for a fifth Games three years after taking the bronze in Tokyo.
Former Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers won the 100m freestyle final in 47.75 seconds, well short of his 47.08 best but enough to bid for a third successive medal in the event at Paris.
Second behind Chalmers, William Yang took the other 100m berth after a personal best 48.08.
Australia's Kaylee McKeown reacts following the women's 200m backstroke final during the Australian Swimming Trials at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre on Thursday. (AFP)
