May 6, 2024

Kaylee McKeown of Australia won the 200-meter women’s backstroke.

Kaylee McKeown of Australia won the 200-meter women’s backstroke in a time of 2:04:68, defeating Kylie Masse of Canada and Emily Seebohm of Australia.

There was something missing from this event: the world record holder, Regan Smith, who did not qualify because she finished third at the U.S. trials. It is indicative of American depth, in this event and across the sport.

The two who beat her in June — Rhyan White and Phoebe Bacon — were in prime position to medal here, swimming on either side of 29-year-old Seebohm, who had the fastest qualifying time. She had previously finished fifth in the 100 back.

(As for Smith, she finished her schedule, leaving Tokyo with a silver medal and a bronze medal.)

White, 21, earlier had finished fourth in the 100 back. The 200 back was the lone event for Bacon, 18.

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