Sports
AUSTRALIA’S world number one Kaylee McKeown has withdrawn from the 200m individual medley at the Tokyo Olympics to focus on the backstroke events.
The 20-year-old’s shock decision comes two days before the swimming events start at the Games.
McKeown was among the favourites for medley gold but the event conflicts with the 100m backstroke, in which she set a world record last month.
“It’s a big call,” national head coach Rohan Taylor said.
“You [have] got a rookie coming in and the Olympics, it’s going to be a big experience for her.”
The decision is a setback for Australia’s hopes of topping the medal table in the pool ahead of their traditional swimming rivals the United States.
BBC Sport
– July 23, 2021 @ 10:59 GMT /
Tags: Tokyo Olympics: Kaylee McKeown pulls out of 200m medley to focus on backstroke
