By Emma Kemp
Kaylee McKeown has defended her 200m backstroke crown to become the first Australian athlete to win four individual Olympic gold medals.
McKeown, the world record holder, started as the heavy favourite after cruising through a heat and semi-final in Paris.
And on Saturday morning (AEST) at La Defense Arena, she was made to work to hold off American Regan Smith, who was seeking revenge after being pipped in the 100m backstroke, but ultimately prevailed in an Olympic-record 2:03.73.
The win caps a remarkable meet for the 23-year-old, who also becomes the first swimmer, male or female from any country, to complete the 100-200m backstroke double at consecutive Olympics.
Having already picked up three gold medals in Tokyo – in the 100m and 200m backstroke, plus the women’s 4x100m medley relay – this latest triumph brings her gold medal tally to four individual and five overall.
Kaylee McKeown celebrates her fourth individual gold medal. Credit: Getty Images
Her overall haul brings her level with Ian Thorpe, who praised the achievement on the Nine commentary.
“She’s created Australian history. Let’s celebrate her, Australia,” Thorpe said.
“I don’t think people realise how significant what she’s just achieved is. She’s done the double-double.”
Another win in the 200m individual medley – she will contest the semi-finals later on Saturday morning AEST – would bring her equal with Emma McKeon’s all-time high of six golds, two of which came in individual races in Tokyo.
More to come
More to come
