United States Excellence in Women’s 200 Backstroke Gets Another Boost at World Junior Championships
The gold-silver finish by teenagers Audrey Derivaux and Charlotte Crush in the 200-meter backstroke at the World Junior Championships on Thursday was the latest display of American excellence in the event.
Using a strong back half, Derivaux claimed victory in the 200 backstroke in Otopeni, Romania, with her winning time of 2:06.99 making the 16-year-old the eighth-fastest performer of the year. Meanwhile, the 17-year-old Crush grabbed the silver medal in 2:07.83, her effort more than two seconds clear of bronze medalist Milana Stepanova of Russia, who was timed in 2:09.99.
The United States boasts an incredible amount of depth in the backstroke events, but the 200 distance might be where Team USA is the strongest. Of the top-11 times in the world for 2025, eight belong to American athletes. While Aussie Kaylee McKeown ranks No. 1, the U.S. holds positions two through five, seven through nine, and No. 11.
2025 World Rankings – Women’s 200 Backstroke
- Kaylee McKeown (AUS) – 2:03.33
- Regan Smith (USA) – 2:04.29
- Claire Curzan (USA) – 2:05.09
- Leah Shackley (USA) – 2:05.99
- Phoebe Bacon (USA) – 2:06.79
- Summer McIntosh (CAN) – 2:06.82
- Kennedy Noble (USA) – 2:06.97
- Audrey Derivaux (USA) – 2:06.99
- Charlotte Crush (USA) – 2:07.05
- Peng Xuwei (CHN) – 2:07.22
- Tess Howley (USA) – 2:07.79
Before Derivaux and Crush went first and second at World Juniors, Regan Smith and Claire Curzan were the silver and bronze medalists, respectively, at the World Championships in Singapore. More, Leah Shackley and Kennedy Noble won gold and silver, respectively, at the World University Games.
