Australian Star Kaylee McKeown Dominates 50m Backstroke

Kaylee McKeown leads Aussie one-two in 50m backstroke

Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown dominates 50m backstroke with sizzling time, while Regan Smith sets American record in 200m butterfly.

Regan Smith stunned the swimming world with a blistering performance in the 200m butterfly, clocking an...

Australian Kaylee McKeown made a splash at the World Cup short course meeting in Carmel, Indiana, clocking a blistering 25.42 seconds to claim victory in the women's 50m backstroke event. McKeown's impressive performance marked a dominant display for the five-time Olympic gold medalist.

McKeown led an all-Aussie podium, with Mollie O'Callaghan securing second place. The win adds to McKeown's illustrious career, which includes a backstroke double at the recent World Championships in Singapore.

The World Cup short course meeting saw other notable performances, including Regan Smith's record-breaking win in the 200m butterfly with a time of 2:00.28. Meanwhile, Hungarian Olympic champion Hubert Kos took gold in the men's 200m backstroke, edging out French rival Leon Marchand.

Regan Smith stunned the swimming world with a blistering performance in the 200m butterfly, clocking an American record time of 2:00.28. This impressive feat came after she opted out of competing in the 50m backstroke event, where Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown was expected to shine.

In the men's 200m individual medley, Hungarian sensation Hubert Kos outmaneuvered French swimming superstar Leon Marchand, claiming gold in a commendable time of 1:46.84. Marchand led early in the race but ultimately settled for silver with a time of 1:47.68, while American training partner Shaine Casas secured the bronze medal with a time of 1:49.81.

Kaylee McKeown wins the 50 back - 25.42 pic.twitter.com/8kIg0yQnK6

— Paul Griffin (@PGriffinFC) October 10, 2025

Leon Marchand, the French swimming sensation who dazzled the 2024 Paris Olympics with four gold medals, continued his impressive form at the World Championships. Marchand opted out of the 100m individual medley on Friday to focus on the 400m freestyle event, where he delivered a stunning performance.

Marchand clocked 3:38.25 in the 400m freestyle, securing third place in a thrilling competition. American Carson Foster took the top spot with a time of 3:37.80. Meanwhile, Canadian star Summer McIntosh, who had an impressive four-gold medal haul at the World Championships, withdrew from the event due to illness.