“Australian backstroke great Kaylee McKeown is kicking off her 2026 season with an eye firmly on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, aiming not only to compete for gold but also to regain her world record in the women’s 100 m backstroke — a title currently held by American rival Regan Smith.

McKeown — a multiple-time Olympic champion — will start the year at the 2026 NSW Speedo State Open Championships in Sydney as part of her build-up to the Olympic Games and the upcoming Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California.

The 25-year-old has endured a challenging period with injuries, including ongoing issues with her left shoulder, having previously suffered a labrum tear and a dislocation just weeks before the 2025 World Championships in Singapore — yet she still delivered top performances, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.

Despite her decorated career — which includes multiple world titles, Olympic golds and former world records across backstroke events — McKeown openly acknowledges the pressure and nerve-wracking anticipation as she looks ahead to LA 2028. “I think I’ll be nervous … walking into an atmosphere where two of my greatest rivals, world record holder Smith and Katharine Berkoff … are both Americans,” she said, underscoring the depth of competition she will face.

McKeown continues to balance rehabilitation with elite-level training, focusing on enjoying the sport while striving to “make herself proud” — a mindset she hopes will fuel both her performance and her push to reclaim the world record she once held.”