Some big race experience at a young age has put Kaylee McKeown in good stead ahead of Olympic qualifying, according to a USC Spartans coach.
The 19-year-old has already dealt with the spotlight, at a Commonwealth Games and two world championships, claiming silver in South Korea in 2019.
Those outings were valuable learning experiences, ahead of this year’s national trials and Olympic Games.
“That’s the bonus of Kaylee having a taste of it,” coach Nathan Doyle said.
“And she’s also able to train everyday with Olympians, like Jake Packard and Paralympians like Blake Cochrane.
“They provide her with opportunities to draw from their experiences, to better prepare her for the Olympic Games.
“But the first step is the trials in Adelaide (in June).”
McKeown relishes major meets.
“Her default is racing. She just loves to race,” Doyle said.
“She trains hard but when there is an opportunity to race, she certainly thrives in that type of environment.”
McKeown showed her intentions at the recent Australian championships in Sydney.
She warmed up for the Olympic trials by claiming victory in the 50m and 100m backstroke, and the 200m individual medley.
“She’s in a really good position,” Doyle said.
“Her backstroke events are her main events, but nothing is off the table.”
There’s been a lack of competition during the past year, due to COVID-19, so international swimmers haven’t had chances to compete against each other.
Local journalists supporting local people. Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article
But the Spartans expect tough competition at Tokyo.
“You would be foolish to say other people aren’t swimming fast, around the world,” Doyle said.
“Everyone knows the Olympic Games are coming up and everyone wants to win gold.
“We’re just making sure we dot every i and cross every t to make sure we’re as ready as possible when the time comes.”
Breaststroke stalwart Packard, 26, is in good shape after finishing second in the 50m breaststroke and third in the 100m breaststroke at the Australian championships.
“He’s an experienced campaigner who knows what he needs to do when the time comes,” Doyle said.
Packard has claimed medals at Olympics, world championships and Commonwealth Games, with gold at the latter.
“You can’t buy those experiences and when you stand behind the blocks at trials and the Games you really rely on those experiences.”
“He’s probably in the best shape he’s been in, for a very long time, and is really setting himself up.”
Club-mate Tessa Wallace is another established athlete taking aim at trials, after coming second in the 50m breaststroke and third in the 100m breaststroke at the national championships.
After training with her father John for the majority of her swim career, the 27-year-old moved to the Spartans at the start of the year.
“Tessa’s been a great addition to the program,” he said of the USC graduate student.
“John’s done a fantastic job with her and she’s a real professional in the training environment.
“And we know when the big opportunities come you can never rule out Tessa.”
He said she was motivating others at the Spartans while also feeding off their enthusiasm.
“We’re really happy to have her as part of the team because she lifts everyone’s standard,” Doyle said.
“And she’s benefited from this environment and those around her. We have like-minded people chasing similar goals, all working together, and it’s hard not to get caught up in that.”
She’s competed at Olympics, world championships and Commonwealth Games, medalling in the latter.
Meanwhile, Alexandria Perkins is rising through the ranks after linking with USC in 2018.
The 20-old was third in the 100m butterfly at the national titles.
Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook.
“She’s been able to draw on the expertise of the Olympians, Paralympians and Olympic coaching staff at USC and I think she is really cashing in.
“I don’t think she is anywhere near her potential yet, and that’s really exciting, especially looking forward to Paris 2024.”
The Spartans Paralympic swimmers recently competed at Australian championships as well, with Ben Hance, Katja Dedekind, Keira Stephens and Cochrane all swimming under the Olympic qualifying time.
“That’s a really good sign,” Doyle said.
“Especially given the hard work they’ve been under and the fact they are unrested.
“To be able to perform qualification standards early is an extra boost as we chase bigger and better goals.”
