BUDAPEST — Kylie Masse became Canada's most decorated swimmer at the world championships after winning a short-course bronze medal on Friday.
Masse touched the wall in 25.78 seconds to finish third in the women's 50-metre backstroke.
Americans Regan Smith, who set a world record (25.23), and Katharine Berkoff (25.61) took gold and silver, while Calgary's Ingrid Wilm placed just off the podium in fourth.
Masse, a 28-year-old swimmer from Lasalle, Ont., now has 20 medals combined at long and short-course worlds. She was previously tied at 19 with Maggie Mac Neil of London, Ont.
“It’s amazing to be able to reflect on my career thus far and to see those accolades with my name is something that I never would have imagined," Masse said.
"Many of those medals were a part of relay teams so I feel very fortunate that I have such great teammates and have been given opportunities to race on relays in order to continue that count."
Masse earned her second medal of the meet after contributing to Canada's 4x50 mixed medley silver on Wednesday. The five-time Olympic medallist has won at least one medal at 15 consecutive major international championships.
“I have been training very differently compared to what I’m used to,” she said. “I had a bit of a different approach leading into these championships and was trying to enjoy the process a little bit more.
"To be able to come out with a medal individually means the world.”
Earlier Friday, Canada won mixed relay silver in the 4x50 freestyle, giving Canada its fourth straight multi-medal day at the event.
The mixed relay team of Ilya Kharun, Yuri Kisil, Ingrid Wilm and Marie-Sophie Harvey finished second in one minute 28.60 seconds. Italy captured gold (1:28.50) and Poland took bronze (1:28.80).
Friday's results raised Canada's overall medal count to 11 (three gold, three silver, five bronze).
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024.
The Canadian Press
