Kaylee McKeown makes swimming history with Olympic backstroke double
Kaylee McKeown has claimed an incredible come-from-behind gold medal in the 200m backstroke final at the Tokyo Olympics.
McKeown is just the seventh woman in history to complete the 100m-200m backstroke double at an Olympic Games.
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Compatriot Emily Seebohm won bronze.
It marked the seventh gold medal for Australia in the pool in Tokyo, putting the swim team on the cusp of equalling Australia's most successful Olympics - the eight golds won at the 1956 Melbourne Games.
It was Australia's 10th gold medal overall in Tokyo.
McKeown lurked behind Canadian Kyle Masse for the initial three laps.
The Aussie was 0.80 seconds behind at the halfway stage and then turned for the last lap 0.69 seconds shy of Masse.
But the Australian timed her surge to perfection, reeling in Masse over the final 15 metres.
McKeown won in two minutes 04.68 seconds from Masse (2:05.42) .
And Seebohm, at her fourth Olympics, clocked 2:06.17 to add a cherished bronze to her two silver career medals.
The stunning scenes had Australians in awe.
Brilliant swim as Kaylee McKeown takes the backstroke double. Measured it to perfection to beat Kylie Masse and what about this for a story, Emily Seebohm with bronze in her fourth Games. Outstanding #Tokyo2020
— Phil Lutton (@phillutton78) July 31, 2021
Another GOLD for Kaylee McKeown. Amazing. And a BRONZE for @emcbomb at her fourth Olympics. Emily you are a warrior! #Olympics
— Jessica Halloran (@JessiHalloran) July 31, 2021
Terrific swim by Kaylee Mckeown for the 200m backstroke Gold.
— Lucas 🔴 (@Lucas_MUtd) July 31, 2021
Yes go the Aussies 🇦🇺! Kaylee McKeown #gold and Emily Seebohm #bronze 200m backstroke #swimming #Olympics #Tokyo2020
— 🌷 Kristina 🎾 (@KristinaElle) July 31, 2021
Kaylee McKeown, simply sensational! Gets the 100 & 200 backstroke double! #Olympics2021
— Simon Shillabeer (@SimonShilly) July 31, 2021
holy shit mckeown!! that ending!!
— dany (@dvandedonks) July 31, 2021
Katie Ledecky beats Ariarne Titmus in 800m final
Meanwhile, Ariarne Titmus took silver in the 800m final for her fourth medal of the Games.
American champion Katie Ledecky got revenge on Saturday after Titmus win the 200m and 400m golds.
Titmus' silver medal comes after her twin golds and bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay.
The Australian could also add another in the 4x100 medley relay final on Sunday.
In the 800m final, Titmus and the rest of the field were unable to counter Ledecky, who won the event for a third consecutive Olympics to claim a seventh career gold medal.
The American won in eight minutes 12.57 seconds from Titmus (8:13.83) and Italian Simona Quadarella (8:18.35).
Australia's Kiah Melverton (8:22.25) finished sixth.
Australia then claimed bronze in the 4x100m mixed medley relay - the first time the event was held at an Olympics.
with AAP
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