Teenager breaks Kaylee McKeown's backstroke world record

Italian swimmer Sara Curtis has shattered the women's 50m backstroke world record, clocking an astonishing 26.63 seconds during the semifinals of the European championships. The 19-year-old's performance in Paris eclipsed the previous mark of 26.86 seconds, set by Australian swimming star Kaylee McKeown in October 2023.

Curtis, who trains at the University of Virginia, has shown rapid improvement. She had already secured a bronze medal in the 100m freestyle at the same European championships. Her record-breaking swim came as a surprise even to herself, expressing disbelief and exhilaration after touching the wall.

Meanwhile, the former record holder, five-time Olympic champion Kaylee McKeown, is on the sidelines. McKeown is recovering from glandular fever, an illness that forced her withdrawal from both the Commonwealth Games and the Pan Pacific Championships. McKeown previously held all three backstroke world records (50m, 100m, and 200m) simultaneously, but has since lost the 100m record as well.

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I knew I was capable of doing it, but I didn't expect it here, in this race, in this moment. It's just so awesome, and I'm so happy! I can tell that I am superwoman right now, it's unbelievable, and I don't think I'm going to be able to sleep tonight.