Kylie Masse from LaSalle, Ontario, won a bronze medal in the women’s 200m backstroke final on Friday in Nanterre, France, marking her fifth career Olympic medal. The Canadian Press
Kylie Masse continues to make waves in the swimming world, proving her incredible talent once again at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The swimmer from LaSalle, Ontario, clinched the bronze medal in the women’s 200-metre backstroke final on Friday, marking her as the first Canadian swimmer to earn medals in three consecutive Olympic Games.
At 28 years old, Masse's journey in the race was full of ups and downs. She started strong, leading at the 50-metre mark and holding second place at 100 metres. However, she slipped to fourth place at the 150-metre mark. Despite the challenges, Masse pushed through and secured her spot on the podium, finishing with a time that earned her the bronze.
"I knew tonight's race was going to be difficult, and I knew I was going to have to fight to the very end," Masse said after the race. "Those final metres were fighting, for sure. I'm really pleased to be on the podium."
This bronze medal adds to Masse’s impressive collection of Olympic achievements. With this latest win, she now holds five career Olympic medals, making her a prominent figure in Canadian swimming history. Masse is the first Canadian female swimmer to win medals in three consecutive Olympic Games, a remarkable feat that highlights her consistency and dedication.
Kaylee McKeown of Australia stole the spotlight with an Olympic record time of 2:03.73 to win gold. She surged ahead in the final 50 metres, showcasing her impressive skills. Regan Smith of the USA, who led for much of the race, settled for silver.
Masse had also competed in the 100-metre backstroke event earlier in the Games, where she finished fourth. Despite this, she remained focused and determined, drawing motivation from her competitors and past experiences. Her previous Olympic performances include winning bronze in the 100-metre backstroke at Rio 2016 and silver in both the 100m and 200m backstroke at Tokyo 2021, along with a bronze in the women’s 4x100m medley relay.
"I’m motivated by my competitors," Masse shared. "By wanting to learn and be better. If you want that, put in the work, stay dedicated and true to what you're doing, it's easier to have longevity."
McKeown's success in Paris is noteworthy, as she joins a select group of swimmers who have achieved a “double-double” — winning gold in both the 100m and 200m backstroke at consecutive Olympics. Her performance at Paris 2024 adds to her impressive track record from Tokyo 2021, where she also won gold in these events.
The women's backstroke event has seen many outstanding swimmers over the years, but McKeown’s achievement of securing four Olympic gold medals in individual events is a rare and historic accomplishment.
