Kaylee McKeown sets new world record in 200m backstroke at NSW State Open Championships

Australian swimming star Kaylee McKeown smashed the women’s 200 metres backstroke world record at the NSW State Championships in Sydney, Australia on Friday 10 March.

The 21-year-old reigning Olympic champion won the final of the discipline in 2:03.14 breaking the previous record set by United States Regan Smith in 2019 by 0.21 seconds.

McKeown set the pace early at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre putting down a 29.32 in the first 50m, just 0.28 seconds off Smith's split.

She then split 1:00.73 at the 100m mark and 1:31.84 at the 150m mark before turning on afterburners in the final 50m to surpass the American's record.

“After the Olympics, I found it hard to get up behind the blocks again,” the Queenslander told New South Wales Swimming after the race.

“I found a new love for the sport, and it just goes to show that a happy swimmer is a fast swimmer. I haven’t necessarily changed anything in my program or training-wise. It’s just that I’m happier.”

In 2021, McKeown broke Smith’s 100m backstroke record at the Australian Olympic trials before then going on to claim the event titles in the 100m and 200m backstroke at the Games in Tokyo.

Later this year, McKeown will attempt to defend her 200m backstroke world title at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, having won the gold at last year's worlds.

• Schedule of every World Championship taking place in 2023