South African Swimming Athlete Kate Douglass set a new short course world record at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup at Westmont, Illinois, in the United States. This was her third short course world record across three separate and different events. The five-time Olympic Medallist added to that count on Sunday (19 October) evening which broke former Swimming Champion Cate Campbell’s 50.25 mark from 2017 with a 50.19 of her own in the 100-meter Freestyle. Australian professional swimmer Kaylee McKeown also scored on her own 200-meter backstroke record.
“That record wasn’t really in my sights,” the 23-year-old admitted after the race. “I kind of wanted to go for it tonight. It’s definitely crazy to think that I have a breaststroke and freestyle world record. That’s pretty crazy; pretty cool.” Douglass has the record mark in both the 200m breaststroke and IM, as well. Her history-making efforts came just minutes after Australia’s Kaylee McKeown held off Douglass’ close friend Regan Smith in the 200m backstroke, McKeown creating history of her own with a new record at 1:57.87. Smith’s 1:57.91 was good enough for second – and a new American record.
“I’ve had a pretty shocking week so far,” an honest McKeown said of her frustrating stay in Illinois. “I wanted to see what I could do tonight. Regan pushed me through all the way. I wanted to go out hard and hold on; it’s not something that I’m used to doing. She added: “I have a feeling next week is going to be faster from her.”
Professional swimming especially in the championships is demanding. The speed with which Douglass swam was incredible and earned her the top place in finale ahead of her competitors. Focus on a professional career in swimming requires tremendous sacrifice, stamina and perseverance. Swimming athletes such as Douglass and McKeown have had to train from their early childhood years to prepare for golden moments like these. Professional Aquatics sports in terms of swimming is about putting your speed and agility to the test. Douglas was able to put her metal to the test in terms of competing against other professionals. In the end only one can attain glory.
Regan Smith was a tough nut to move against. Athletic swimming exacts full concentration and stamina from an athlete swimmer. Both Smith, McKeown and Douglass are experts in training at their sport. To break a previous swimming record is an incredible achievement, Douglass was fortunate to have exceeded. Focusing on improving speed in the water through practice is key. This takes many weeks in advance of the main event. Against other competitive athletes the odds are uncertain.
The win represented a return to form for the Australian backstroke specialist after a shocking loss to long-time rival Smith in the women’s 100m backstroke a day earlier. While the two had locked horns on numerous occasions throughout their careers, Mckeown hadn’t lost to the seven-time Olympic medallist since 2019. Nonetheless, she appeared unfazed as she settled in the blocks on Sunday. Powering ahead of the field in a time just shy of the World Cup record, she touched the wall more than a second before Smith, who reached the wall in a time of 2:00.07 to claim second. For a while, it looked as though rising star Charlotte Crush might actually be the one to deny McKeown.
The young swimmer looked strong through the halfway mark, but began to fade in the second part of the race. She was ultimately passed by McKeown and Smith, but held her own to finish third in a time of 2:02.28.
The specialization of aquatic athletes in one form of swimming is an all-too-common practice in professional water sports. Backstroke, breaststroke, Butterfly, freestyle all have their experts and specialists amongst aquatic athletes. Women swimming athletes such as Douglass, Smith and McKeown all have had their work cut out for them. In professional aquatic sports such as swimming your concentration, perseverance and resilience plays a crucial role in your professionalism. Douglass has had to juggle her swimming career as a profession with maintaining personal relationships. As has Smith, McKeown and every other athlete in any other sporting career has to do. Winning gold, silver, bronze or trophies always comes with a heavy price. Even young and as yet untested talent like Charlotte Crush have had their setbacks.
It is fortunate on Crush’s part that she made it to third place (bronze). It would appear that experience had won the day for McKeown and Smith. Experience and perseverance. In the end it was Kate Douglass of South Africa who came through and set a new record.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
