Kylie Masse Finishes Fourth in Women's 100m Backstroke at World Championships

In a fiercely competitive final at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on July 29, 2025, Canadian swimmer Kylie Masse narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in the women's 100-meter backstroke. The event saw Australian Olympic champion Kaylee McKeown set a new course record with a time of 57.16 seconds, while American swimmers Regan Smith and Katherine Berkhoff claimed silver and bronze, respectively, with times of 57.35 seconds and 58.15 seconds.

Kylie Masse, hailing from LaSalle, Ontario, clocked in at 58.42 seconds, while her compatriot Taylor Ruck, from Kelowna, British Columbia, finished seventh in the event with a time of 59.59 seconds. This marks a continuation of a challenging season for both athletes, as Masse had previously secured fourth place in the same event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Masse, who has previously triumphed at the World Championships—winning gold in 2017 and 2019—expressed a mix of pride and surprise at her performance. "I really didn’t know what to expect in the 100 just because I hadn’t done much compared to what I was doing for the last quad. But I really can’t complain and I have to keep things in perspective with that tonight,” she stated post-race.

The significance of this event extends beyond personal achievement; it underscores the competitive landscape of women’s swimming globally. According to Dr. Laura Davidson, a Sports Analytics Professor at Stanford University, "The rapidly evolving techniques and training methodologies have raised the bar significantly, making podium finishes increasingly competitive."

Masse's journey to this competition was marked by rigorous training and a focus on mental resilience. "To be fourth in the world and still be up there, competitive with the top swimmers, it’s something that I’m really proud of," she added, reflecting on her performance.

In terms of performance consistency, Masse's teammate, Taylor Ruck, shared the spotlight. Ruck faced her first international final since 2019, and her determination was evident despite finishing out of medal contention. "My goal has been to advance, whether that was a semi or a final, I just wanted to get a second swim at worlds," Ruck mentioned after her race. This reflects the evolving narrative of Canadian swimmers aiming to solidify their presence on the world stage.

The World Aquatics Championships not only highlight individual performances but also the broader implications for Canadian swimming. As outlined in a report by Swimming Canada, the organization is committed to developing young talent and fostering an environment that supports athletes in achieving their highest potential.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on the upcoming events, including the women's 200-meter butterfly, where rising star Summer McIntosh is expected to compete. McIntosh, who has already made headlines by winning multiple gold medals in Singapore, represents the new generation of Canadian swimmers pushing the boundaries of the sport.

In summary, while Kylie Masse and Taylor Ruck may have finished outside the podium in the women’s 100-meter backstroke, their performances reflect the high standards of competition and the promising future of Canadian swimming on the international stage. As they continue to train and evolve, the narrative of Canadian swimming is one of resilience, growth, and ambition, setting the stage for future successes in global competitions.