Backstroke queen Kaylee McKeown has defended her 100m title, earning herself gold and an Olympic record on Wednesday morning (AEST).
After turning at the wall fourth at the half way mark, McKeown stormed past her opponents, including rival Regan Smith from the United States to finish with a time of 57.33
Fellow Australian, 18-year-old Iona Anderson, placed fifth in the event.
Speaking to Nine after the event, McKeown paid tribute to her late father, Sholto, who passed away from brain cancer in 2020.
“I like to think I have a little superpower and that’s my dad,” she said.
“I believe he was with me tonight. I’m just over the moon…
“It’s great to have my family here because I know that he’s here in spirit.”
McKeown now joins the likes of Ian Thorpe, Ariarne Titmus, Betty Cuthbert, Murray Rose and Shane Gould as the Australian athletes to win three individual gold medals.
The Paris win combines to her collection of gold in the 100m and 200m Backstroke at Tokyo 2020.
Meanwhile, Mollie O’Callaghan and Shayna Jack have qualified for the 100m Freestyle final. Kyle Chalmers also qualified for the men’s equivalent.
Elijah Winnington placed eighth in 800m Freestyle, following his silver medal in the stroke’s 400m race.