Olympic 100-meter backstroke record broken in three straight heats

As far as competitions go at the Tokyo Olympics, few will be more competitive than the three-way showdown in the women's 100-meter backstroke.

That's really all you can say when three swimmers combine to break the Olympic record in the event in three straight races.

Canada's Kylie Masse made history in her heat on Sunday with an Olympic record time of 58.17 seconds. That record would last for all of two minutes, when Team USA's Regan Smith posted a time of 57.96. That was the new record ... until Australia's Kaylee McKeown turned in a 57.88 in the final heat.

Australia's Emily Seebohm had previously held the Olympic record with a time of 58.23 in 2012. Seebohm is also in the fold at Tokyo.

In addition to holding the Olympic record, all three women have each previously held the world record in the 100-meter backstroke, with McKeown carrying the current crown of 57.45 set at this year's Australian Olympic trials.

The record-setting trio will now advance to the semifinals on Monday, with all three likely to qualify for the finals on Tuesday at 9:51 ET. If any of them exceed McKeown's most recent time, we may be looking at an Olympic record for Olympic records set in a single event.

More from Yahoo Sports:

• Russia outscores Biles, Team USA in gymnastics qualifying

• Osaka speaks to media after winning her Olympic opener

• Phelps protégé Kalisz wings USA’s first gold medal in Tokyo

• Bushnell: Meet Tunisia’s longshot Olympic swim champion