Australian teen breaks world record for 100m backstroke

Australian teen swimmer Kylie McConne broke the world record in the women's 100 meters backstroke, setting a time of 57.54 seconds in Australian qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics this summer, which she gave to her father, who passed away last year.

19-year-old McConne is making impressive performances this year, surpassing the record set by her American rival Reagan Smith (57.57 seconds) at the 2019 World Championships.

Australian veteran Emily Sibom, who clocked 58.58 seconds, also booked her seat in Tokyo to participate in the Olympic Games for the fourth time.

"I can't believe what happened," McConn said with tears in her eyes after her win in Adelaide. "It's been a tough year for me and the family. It's been 10 months since my father passed away. So I think he will be very proud of me."

McConn issued a warning to her competition in Tokyo, where she is expected to compete for several medals.

She is also expected to qualify for the Olympics in the 200m backstroke, after she recently recorded the fourth fastest time in history, in addition to the 200m medley, which she achieved the fastest time this year.

Australia won ten medals in swimming at the Rio Olympics in 2016, equaling London's achievement four years earlier, but the best achievement remains in Beijing in 2008 with 20 medals.

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