Commonwealth Games, Day Five Finals: Kylie Masse Gets Revenge in Women’s 50 Backstroke
After a disappointing silver medal in the 100 backstroke, Kylie Masse came back to defeat Aussie Iona Anderson in the 50 backstroke. Already one of the greatest backstrokers of all-time, Masse has padded her resume further. The 2022 Commonwealth gold medalist in the event had no problem defending her title, leading from the start.
Masse’s time of 27.32 was .01 off of her own Games record, set four years ago in Birmingham. This time also moves her up to ninth in the world rankings this season. After stepping away from the 200 back, Masse has set her focus on the sprint backstrokes, a move that seems to be paying off. Her gold medal leaves Canada with a medal in the women’s 50 back at the last four Commonwealth Games.
After a comeback victory for gold in the 100 backstroke, Anderson ran out of room in the shorter distance. She had a strong last 15 meters, but was too far behind to have another dramatic comeback. Anderson finished in a time of 27.45, .13 off of a second gold.
Lauren Cox of England finished in third place. For Cox, this is her first individual medal at the Commonwealth Games. Cox tested Masse for most of the race. She had the fastest reaction time in the field at 0.55 and had a strong first 35 meters. Cox finished in 27.56, about a half-second off her best time.
