Kylie Masse made history at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships held recently in Budapest, Hungary, becoming Canada’s most decorated swimmer after winning her 20th world championship medal. The LaSalle, Ontario, native grabbed bronze in the women’s 50-meter backstroke, cementing her place as the first Canadian to reach this remarkable milestone.
With her finish time of 25.78 seconds, Masse finished behind American swimmer Regan Smith, who not only took gold but also set a new world record with her time of 25.23 seconds, edging out the previous record by two hundredths of a second. Smith's teammate Katharine Berkoff secured the silver medal with a time of 25.61 seconds, leaving Masse and fourth-place finisher Ingrid Wilm to battle for the bronze.
“It’s amazing to be able to reflect on my career so far and to see those accolades with my name is something I never would have imagined,” Masse shared after her victory. Many of her medals come from team relay events, and she acknowledged the role her teammates play in her success. “I feel very fortunate to have such great teammates and have been able to race on relays,” she added.
Masse’s latest honor marks her second medal from this championship meet; she previously won silver alongside her teammates—Ilya Kharun, Finlay Knox, and Wilm—in the mixed 4x50 medley relay. This triumph also contributed to Canada’s impressive medal haul at the competition, which was cumulative of three gold, three silver, and five bronze medals at the midpoint of the championships.
This recent achievement builds on Masse's already illustrious career, which includes winning at least one medal at 15 consecutive major international competitions, including the Olympics. Her persistent success is notable against the backdrop of her recent training adjustments, as she tapped new strategies to enjoy the process of competition more. “I have been training very differently compared to what I’m used to,” she remarked, underscoring her focus on having fun and not placing excessive pressure on herself.
The mixed relay team’s silver medal win earlier the same day added to the excitement for Canadian swimming as they finished just slightly behind Italy, which won gold with 1:28.50 — only 0.10 seconds faster than Canada’s time of 1:28.60.
Canada’s success came as major encouragement within the swimming community, especially with the vibrant camaraderie reflected among team members. “It’s always a treat to do it with this new, different kind of group, and everyone’s a friend of mine,” said Kharun, who had previously been part of the gold-winning team at the last world championships held back in Abu Dhabi. The atmosphere among team members helps them push each other toward new heights and creates bonds beyond just swimming.
Despite the challenges faced, including Kharun missing qualification for the finals of the 100-meter butterfly event, there are plenty of reasons for optimism as Canadian swimmers continue to thrive and rack up medals. Earlier performances showcased the tenacity of athletes like Mary-Sophie Harvey, who managed to pull off impressive finishes, including breaking her own Commonwealth record multiple times.
On the sidelines, swimming fans eagerly awaited the remainder of the championships, keeping their eyes on promising younger athletes like Oliver Dawson, who set personal bests this meet and, at the tender age of 16, made waves with record-breaking swims.
While Masse’s record of 20 medals stands strong, it’s also remarkable what the entire Canadian team has achieved at this year’s World Championships so far. Their accomplishment can serve as inspiration not just for budding swimmers but for anyone facing obstacles, highlighting the magic of teamwork and perseverance.
Since the championships are continuously showcasing exceptional athletic talent, events are being live-streamed and celebrated across various platforms, allowing supporters to stay engaged. Fans of swimming are no doubt excited to see what the rest of the competition holds as it nears its conclusion.
Masse’s accomplishments remind everyone of the power of dedication, hard work, and teamwork, as well as the thrill of achieving new heights. With the Paris 2024 Olympics next on the horizon, her inspiring story and stellar performances are sure to motivate athletes everywhere to chase their dreams.
