Rising Star Campbell McKean Prepared to Carry Breaststroke Torch for United States
As the United States men look to rebuild on the road to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Campbell McKean appears to be a cornerstone option. The 18-year-old from Oregon has been touted as a future star in the breaststroke events, an identity he confirmed at last month’s United States National Championships in Indianapolis.
Now, he’ll try to find success on a bigger stage.
McKean will race the 50-meter breaststroke and the 100 breaststroke at the World Championships in Singapore, where pool competition gets underway on Sunday. He’s also expected to play a key role in relay duty for the United States, which is in need of a steady breaststroke presence in the 400 medley relay. Bound for the University of Texas, McKean is eager to show his talent to a worldwide audience.
“I know that I deserve to be there because I have worked hard,” McKean told the The Bulletin, an Oregon newspaper. “Knowing that I worked hard to be there and knowing that I can compete with everyone.”
At Nationals, McKean delivered the fastest performances of his burgeoning career. In addition to posting a time of 26.90 in the 50 breaststroke, the future Longhorn cut more than a second off his previous best in the 100 breast, going 58.96. That time ranks second in the world and has McKean in medal contention leading into Worlds.
Between training camp with Team USA and his work at the World Championships, McKean will gather valuable experience this summer. Meanwhile, he has three years to prepare for the U.S. Olympic Trials, where qualification for the 2028 Olympics will be determined. Representing the United States at a home Games would be a significant achievement.
“I feel like it is within reach,” McKean said. “It is still three years away. But since it is three years away, a lot of change can happen. But I think I can grasp what I can do.”
