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Fukuoka: Kaylee McKeown has rebounded from the disappointment of disqualification two days ago by powering to victory in the 100m backstroke on night three of the world swimming championships in Japan.
Australia has its fifth gold medal in Fukuoka after McKeown (57.53 seconds) edged out Americans Regan Smith (57.78) and Katharine Berkoff (58.25) to clinch her maiden world title in the event.
Kaylee McKeown reacts after the women’s 100m backstroke finals at the World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka, Japan.Credit: AP
It has been an emotional 48 hours for McKeown after she was controversially disqualified for an incorrect turn during her 200m individual medley semi-final on the opening night of competition.
Australia put in a formal protest but their pleas fell on deaf ears. McKeown, as well as Australian head coach Rohan Taylor, both criticised the decision of officials.
McKeown, who said the call was “completely unfair” was able to channel her frustration into the two-lap race and in particular, the final 15 metres.
The reigning Olympic champion trailed by 0.08 seconds at the turn before powering home to win comfortably.
Kaylee McKeown: “I just wanted to prove to myself that I am still swimming fast”Credit: Reuters
“I was very, very nervous heading in, probably more than I have ever been,” McKeown said. “It was just a real testament to myself dealing with what I have over the past few hours. I am really happy to have the Americans chasing me because I don’t think without them I would have swum as fast as I did. It was great having them by my side.
“Nerves just mean that you care about what you’re doing. I just wanted to prove to myself that I am still swimming fast.”
Earlier, there was a major upset from the first race of the night, when Romanian star David Popovici failed to win a medal in the 200m freestyle after going in as the overwhelming favourite.
Popovici, who won this event at last year’s world championships in Budapest, led at the 150-metre mark before tiring in the last few metres.
Great Britain made it a quinella, with Matt Richards (1:44.30) just hitting the wall ahead of teammate Tom Dean (1:44.32). Popovici’s time of (1:44.90) was almost two seconds outside of his personal best.
Australia’s Lani Pallister (15 minutes, 49.17 seconds) finished fifth in the women’s 1500m freestyle final behind Katie Ledecky (15:26.27).
More to come
Watch the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka live on Channel Nine & 9Now.
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