The 100-meter backstroke events at Tokyo Olympics 2020 concluded as Kaylee McKeown from Australia won the gold medal in an incredible finish. She won the race by setting a time of 57.47. Moreover, Canada’s Kylie Masse led the race from the start, but McKeown breezed past her in the last 20-meters. USA’s Regan Smith claimed the bronze medal with a time of 58.05.
Around six swimmers were predicted to dominate the event, and it was a good watch. However, during the preliminary round, a Dutch swimmer named Kira Toussaint was spotted doing an ‘illegal’ kick, according to Australian commentators.
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One of Australia’s best swimmers, Leisel Jones, spotted it out during the preliminary round and had her say on the matter.
Australian commentator remarks on Dutch swimmer’s incident
The controversy came up after Toussaint qualified to the finals after posting a time of 59.09. Likewise, she finished seventh in the final but Jones mentioned the controversy she found in the preliminaries.
“That was really interesting seeing that underwater with the backstroke kicks, that?s actually illegal. That was really interesting, you can?t do that.”
“Was that (Kira) Toussaint? Yes… doing a backstroke kick into the wall. You have to do a little kick into the wall and one lunge. I?d like to look at that again. That is very questionable,” said Jones.
During the last stages, a swimmer is expected to take a little kick and lunge to the wall. But the Dutch swimmer appeared to do an ‘illegal kick’ while finishing the race. Leisel Jones mentioned about the incident shouldn’t go unnoticed. Toussaint once again finished seventh amidst a lot of competitive swimmers.
Kaylee McKeown shines at Tokyo Olympics 2020
After creating a world record time of 57.45 in the Australian swimming trials, Kaylee McKeown looked like a woman possessed to shine, yet again.
The reigning champion, Kylie Masse came into the competition as a strong contender after her performances in Gwangju for the 2019 World Championships. Even though she led the race at the beginning, McKeown’s incredible technique once again prevailed as she cemented her legacy amongst the greats. After taking a gamble by withdrawing from the 200-meter individual medley, Kaylee’s focus was on the backstroke events. And boy did she put in an incredible performance.
💛💚🏊 GOLD!
Kaylee McKeown has won the 100m Women's Backstroke Final in her Olympic debut with a time of 57:47 — a new Olympic record.#Tokyo2020 #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/dv8WlAF9Bm
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) July 27, 2021
Kylie Masse’s silver medal for Team Canada as they continue to win medals in this year’s Olympics.
The Olympics has had its fair share of moments and controversies but that just adds to the significance of the games. Tokyo Olympics continues to trend worldwide for both its unique moments and unpredictability.
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