Kaylee McKeown and Regan Smith Have Combined to Dominate 100 Backstroke (All-Time Rankings)
When discussing dominance of the all-time rankings in an event, much has been made about Adam Peaty’s ownership of the 100-meter breaststroke and Katie Ledecky’s monopoly of the 1500 freestyle. But as the World Championships near their halfway mark in Singapore, it is an appropriate time to celebrate how Kaylee McKeown and Regan Smith have ruled the 100 backstroke.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
On Tuesday, McKeown and Smith engaged in their latest duel on the international stage, with McKeown capturing the gold medal at Worlds in a mark of 57.16. That time was the No. 2 performance in history, and just .03 off the world record of Smith, who went 57.13 at last summer’s United States Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. Smith picked up the silver medal in 57.35, the fifth-fastest time ever and her No. 3 effort.
How dominant have McKeown and Smith been in the 100 backstroke? They have combined for the 25-fastest times in history, 12 from the Australian and 13 from the American. The rivals’ top times range from 57.13 to 57.69, with Canadian Kylie Masse finally breaking the McKeown-Smith stranglehold at No. 24 in history at 57.70.
The All-Time Women’s 100 Backstroke Performances
Regan Smith – 57.13 (2024)
Kaylee McKeown – 57.16 (2025)
Regan Smith – 57.28 (2024)
Kaylee McKeown – 57.33 (2024)
Kaylee McKeown – 57.33 (2023)
Regan Smith – 57.35 (2025)
Kaylee McKeown – 57.41 (2024)
Kaylee McKeown – 57.45 (2021)
Regan Smith – 57.46 (2025)
Regan Smith – 57.47 (2024)
Kaylee McKeown – 57.47 (2021)
Kaylee McKeown – 57.50 (2023)
Regan Smith – 57.51 (2024)
Kaylee McKeown – 57.53 (2023)
Kaylee McKeown – 57.57 (2024)
Regan Smith – 57.57 (2019)
Kaylee McKeown – 57.63 (2023)
Kaylee McKeown – 57.63 (2021)
Regan Smith – 57.64 (2024)
Regan Smith – 57.64 (2021)
Kaylee McKeown – 57.65 (2025)
Regan Smith – 57.65 (2022)
Regan Smith – 57.66 (2024)
Regan Smith – 57.68 (2023)
Regan Smith – 57.69 (2025)
