Pan American Games 2023: Maggie Mac Neil takes 100m butterfly title in new Games record

Canada's reigning Olympic champion won her second gold in Santiago in style, winning by almost a second from USA's Kelly Pash.

2 minBy Rory Jiwani
Maggie Mac Neil poses holding her gold medal and Santiago 2023 mascot
(REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

Canadian swim star Maggie Mac Neil dominated the final of the women's 100m butterfly at the 2023 Pan American Games on Sunday (22 October).

The reigning Olympic champion started from lane six having been only the fourth fastest swimmer in the heats.

But the 23-year-old had clearly saved herself for the final as she started to edge in front just before the turn.

And Mac Neil fairly powered clear over the second 50m, touching the wall in a new Pan American Games record of 56.94.

Kelly Pash took silver in 57.85 with fellow American Olivia Bray (58.36) claiming the bronze.

It was Mac Neil's second gold of the week having produced a storming third leg to help Canada to victory in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay.

Later on Sunday, she helped Canada to bronze in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay.

Taking over with her team a distant fourth, Mac Neil swam strongly to move the Canadians ahead of Mexico into third and within striking distance of Brazil and the United States.

But Mary-Sophie Harvey was unable to reel in the front pair with Brazil taking gold in a Games record 3:23.78.

Just ahead of the competition in the pool, Mac Neil exclusively told Olympics.com that she was delighted with her preparations for next year's Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Se said, “I’ve never been training better. I’ve never been happier [with] where I am. I’m swimming for myself and just enjoying it while I’m around and taking in these Games atmospheres which really are so unique."

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Pan American Games 2023 Women's 100m Butterfly final results:

  1. Maggie Mac Neil (CAN) 56.94 - Pan American Games record
  2. Kelly Pash (USA) 57.85
  3. Olivia Bray (USA) 58.36
  4. Valentina Becerra (COL) 59.21
  5. Katerine Savard (CAN) 59.40
  6. Giovanna Tomanik (BRA) 1:00.21
  7. Clarissa Rodrigues (BRA) 1:00.50
  8. Anicka Delgado (ECU) 1:00.52
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