- Kaylee McKeown secured a bronze medal due to a US rival’s disqualification
- Recent footage suggests she should have secured silver
- Another US swimmer performed an illegal turn
Kaylee McKeown earned a bronze medal in the individual medley after her American competitor was disqualified. However, recent footage indicates that this record-breaking Australian swimmer should have claimed silver, as another swimmer violated the competition rules.
The Queensland athlete finished behind gold medallist Summer McIntosh from Canada, while Americans Kate Douglass and Alex Walsh finished second and third, respectively.
Unfortunately, Walsh was disqualified for committing an illegal turn while transitioning from backstroke to breaststroke.
New evidence reveals that US swimmer Kate Douglass allegedly performed a similar illegal turn, as reported by News Corp.
This is the same infringement that eliminated McKeown from the semifinals of the world championships last year.
McKeown expressed her frustration at that officiating decision last July, especially after being a favorite for the event.
‘I didn’t notice my turn last night, but viewing it this morning felt utterly unjust. It’s just the way it goes,’ she remarked after the 2023 incident.
‘We have video evidence showing different angles contradicting the officials’ findings. I have to abide by their ruling. Allegedly, I broke the rules, so I can’t do much about it.’
Recent footage suggests US swimmer Kate Douglass (left) should have faced disqualification from the contentious women’s 200m medley final
Douglass reportedly executed a turn that mirrors the illegal one which disqualified her teammate Alex Walsh
‘Regrettably, some individuals face unfortunate circumstances. It’s all about trying to turn it into a positive and give a big “eff you”.’
According to regulations, swimmers must not rotate over 90 degrees onto their stomach transitioning from backstroke to breaststroke. Walsh was flagged for this violation at the 100m mark on Sunday morning, Australian time.
Now, Douglass faces similar accusations.
This incident led McKeown to capture her seventh Olympic medal after breaking numerous records by defending her 200m backstroke title on Saturday.
With this victory, she becomes the first Australian to win four individual Olympic gold medals.
McKeown is also the inaugural swimmer to retain both the 100m and 200m backstroke titles in Olympic history.
She now boasts five Olympic golds, including a win in the women’s 4x100m medley relay from the Tokyo Games three years ago.
‘It’s an incredible achievement to have that alongside my name. I’ve looked up to so many amazing athletes in this sport, so being among them is extraordinary,’ she shared.
‘I truly believe I have much more to offer this sport. It all comes down to my coach and teammates. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by people like Emma, who are fantastic.’
Above all, she dedicated her win to her family.
The incident ultimately led McKeown to win her seventh Olympic medal
The Queenslander now holds the record for the most Olympic golds in Australia
‘This medal signifies more than just its physicality. Words fail to express how much I cherish my family,’ she remarked.
‘It’s an honor to be here tonight, amidst so many people, on the podium with my team and family behind me. It feels surreal.’
Emma McKeon currently holds the Australian record for most Olympic golds, totaling six, with four earned in relay events.
McKeown successfully defended her 200m backstroke title with a remarkable Olympic record time of 2:03.73, just 0.59 seconds shy of her world record set last year in Sydney.
She positioned third at the halfway point and second at the final turn before surging ahead to victory, finishing before American Regan Smith (2:04.26) and Canada’s Kylie Masse (2:05.57).
