Mac Neil breaks record, Masse becomes most-decorated Canadian at short-course worlds

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Maggie Mac Neil is the new world record holder in the women’s 50-metre backstroke.

The Canadian, who won gold in the 100-metre butterfly at the Tokyo Olympics, finished in 25.27 seconds to win gold on Monday at the FINA world short-course swimming championships.

Teammate and backstroke specialist Kylie Masse earned silver in 25.62 seconds, under the previous Canadian record she shared with Mac Neil.

Masse is a two-time reigning world champion and was the Olympic silver medallist in the 100 backstroke.

Sweden’s Louise Hansson was third in 25.86 seconds.

Masse’s medal was the 10th of her career at the worlds, making her the most decorated Canadian of all time.

She surpassed Penny Oleksiak and Ryan Cochrane, who have nine each.

Also Monday, the Canadian team of Summer McIntosh, Kayla Sanchez, Katerine Savard and Rebecca Smith won gold in the women’s 4×200-metre freestyle relay.

The short-course championships are held in a 25-metre pool, as opposed to Olympic or world aquatic championship swimming, which is held in a 50-metre pool.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2021.