Olympic champion Kaylee McKeown cruised to victory in the 100m backstroke at the Australian swimming trials on Monday, clocking 57.71 seconds as she gears up for a much-anticipated clash with American rival Regan Smith at next month’s World Championships in Singapore.
McKeown, who lost her world record to Smith last year, finished well ahead of fellow Olympian Mollie O’Callaghan, who clocked 58.85 to also secure qualification.
With McKeown and Smith owning the 20 fastest times in history between them, their head-to-head battle in Singapore is expected to be one of the marquee events of the meet.
Meanwhile, Ella Ramsay continued her impressive form. After a standout swim in the 200m medley, she qualified for the 100m breaststroke with a solid 1:06.86.
Rising star Alex Perkins also made waves, posting a personal best to win the 100m butterfly and earn her spot for Singapore. She then turned up the heat in the 50m butterfly, clocking 25.36 in the final—becoming the second-fastest Australian ever in the event.
Lily Price, who finished runner-up to Perkins in both the 100m and 50m butterfly, also looks like a strong medal hopeful heading into the world stage.
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