Aussie teen scores medal at swimming world titles

The depth of Australia’s female backstroke stocks is strong.

West Australian 18-year-old Iona Anderson reminded Australian swimming fans of exactly that by collecting a silver medal in the women’s 100m backstroke at the World Aquatics Championships on Wednesday morning (AEDT).

American Claire Curzan stopped the clock at 58.29 seconds to clinch gold in Doha, as Anderson grabbed silver in 59.12 and Canada’s Ingrid Wilm bronze in 59.18.

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The trio cleaned up the medals in a weakened race, which was without the top four from the 2023 world titles final in Fukuoka.

The 2023 gold medallist, Australia’s Kaylee McKeown, and last year’s silver and bronze medallists, USA duo Regan Smith and Katharine Berkoff, were all missing, as was fourth-placed finisher Kylie Masse of Canada.

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“I am just grateful to be here on this team and to have the chance to race,” Anderson said.

“It’s given me a little boost before Olympic trials [taking place in Brisbane in June], and to just be on the world stage is incredible.”

Another Australian, Queensland 17-year-old Jaclyn Barclay, finished fourth in the final.

“I just go about racing the same way, whether it’s states or an international meet,” Anderson added.

“And it’s nice to have this experience with Jaclyn. It’s good to be able to walk out together and have someone you know.”

Anderson and Barclay are world junior champions, in the 50m and 100m backstroke respectively.

The rising duo will be back in the pool for the 50m backstroke heats on Wednesday evening (AEDT).

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