McKeown Wins 100m Backstroke at 2025 Worlds

At the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Australia’s Kaylee McKeown won her second 100m backstroke world title, narrowly beating American world record holder Regan Smith with a championship-record and personal best time of 57.16 seconds, just 0.03 seconds off the world record. The podium order mirrored the Paris 2024 Olympics, with Smith taking silver (57.35) and Katharine Berkoff winning bronze (58.15). McKeown triumphed despite a recent shoulder injury and overcoming post-Olympics burnout, underscoring her resilience and renewed dedication. She and Smith now own the 23 fastest times in history for the event. This victory brings McKeown's world championship gold tally to five and maintains her unbeaten streak in major 100m backstroke finals since 2023. The championships also featured Katie Ledecky extending her own world title record in the women’s 1500m freestyle.