University of Toronto Varsity Blues swimming star Kylie Masse broke the world record in today’s 100-metre backstroke race at the world aquatics championships in Budapest, Hungary, coming in at 58,10 seconds. With this win, Masse broke the longest-standing record in women's swimming set by Great Britain’s Gemma Spofforth’s in July 2009, and became the first Canadian to win a world title since Brent Hayden claimed gold in the men's 100 freestyle in 2007.
"I don't' think it's really sunk in yet," said Masse after the race. "I touched the wall and I looked back and I had to make sure I was looking at the right lane and right time, I was so excited. After the Olympics, I realized that I belong in the final and I belong on the podium. That all comes with confidence and this entire year I felt better about my racing, which helps leading up to a championship."
Head coach of the Varsity Blues swimming program and former Olympian Byron MacDonald said he was very proud of Masse.
“The magnitude of what Kylie has been able to accomplish in a relative short period of time is amazing. She just broke the oldest female world record on the books. She is the world champion,” he said. “Kylie is the perfect example of a student athlete excelling in the classroom and her sport. An incredibly humble young woman, she is going to find it harder and harder to stay under the radar with performances like this.”
News about Masse’s win came just as the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Eleanor McMahon was making an announcement at the University of Toronto's Varsity Stadium about Advancing Opportunities for Women and Girls in Sport: Ontario's Action Plan.
“How apropos, how timely it is to demonstrate that investment of resources through this insightful government announcement can lead to inspiring performances and role models, such as Kylie Masse, who will be recognized around the world,” said professor Ira Jacobs, dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education.
Masse made one of the fastest ascents in the world of swimming, winning the bronze medal in the 100-metre back race at the Rio Olympics, only a couple of years after being ranked 200th in high school. The fourth year student at KPE is the first Varsity Blues swimmer to claim an Olympic medal while enrolled as a student at U of T.
MacDonald thanked U of T for the support they provided Kylie that helped get her to this point.
“We have a good stable of sports professionals, from Alanna Veerman, a full time strength coach, Jason Meehan as physiotherapist, her academic advisors and teammates at the university,” he said. “Kylie is the epitome of the student athlete at U of T.”
Masse took to the podium a second time a day later to accept a bronze medal for helping the Canadian team break the national record and come in third in the mixed medley relay finals. Earlier in the day, Masse topped her previous best in the 50 metre backstroke race, but was just 0.04 second short of securing a spot in Thursday's final. She will use a day's break to rest for the 200 metre backstroke race on Friday.