Expectations run high, as Griffith University swimming champion Kaylee McKeown seems poised to dominate the Paris 2024 Olympics, leveraging her world record-breaking prowess and extensive international experience.
Kaylee, who has been making waves in the swimming world, currently trains with the Griffith University swim group under the guidance of coach Michael Bohl.
Kaylee’s Journey in Swimming
At just 15 years old, Kaylee joined her older sister Taylor on the Dolphins swim team, becoming one of its youngest members. Inspired by her sister, who she considers a hero, Kaylee made her international debut in 2017 at the World Championships, finishing fourth in the 200m backstroke. Her strong performances continued at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she placed fourth in both the 100m and 200m backstroke events.
In 2018, she shone at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, securing gold in the 50m backstroke, silver in the 100m backstroke and 4x100m medley, and bronze in the 200m backstroke. Her success continued into 2019 when she won silver in both the women’s 200m backstroke and the women’s 4x100m medley relay at the World Championships.
The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19 appeared to benefit Kaylee. In 2021, she broke national backstroke records in the 50m, 100m, and 200m events at the Sydney Open. She then set a world record in the 100m backstroke at the Australian trials for the Tokyo Games. Opting to focus on backstroke events at the Olympics, she won gold in the 100m and 200m backstroke, as well as in the women’s medley relay, and also claimed bronze in the mixed medley relay.
In 2022, she continued to excel, winning the 200m backstroke world title in Budapest and dominating at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she won four gold medals and six medals in total. She ended the year with a victory in the 200m backstroke at the World Short Course Championships in Melbourne. Her momentum carried into 2023, where she set a new world record in the 200m backstroke at the NSW Championships.
Kaylee’s Olympic Prospects
Online sportsbooks have recognised Kaylee McKeown’s potential for the upcoming Olympics, placing her as a favourite for the 200m backstroke. Despite the competitive field, including American Regan Smith, McKeown’s consistent performances and current world record position her as a strong contender.
Professional gamblers and swimming analysts suggest that while McKeown is the favourite, the race will be highly competitive. McKeown’s odds reflect her dominance in the sport, but the competition from athletes like Smith ensures that the event will be exciting to watch.
Griffith University’s Olympic Aspirations
Griffith University will be well-represented at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games with a team of 45 students, alumni, and team members. This includes debutants like sprinter Torrie Lewis and seasoned athletes such as Cameron McEvoy and Jessica Fox.
Duncan Free, Director of Sports Engagement at Griffith University and a former Olympian, expressed immense pride in the athletes. He highlighted the university’s tradition of nurturing champions and is optimistic about surpassing their best-ever medal haul from Tokyo.
The Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, are set to showcase the world’s top athletes across a range of disciplines, with high expectations for thrilling performances and record-breaking achievements. The event, anticipated to be one of the most watched in history, will feature a significant presence from Griffith University, including top contenders like Kaylee McKeown.
Published 18-July-2024