BUENOS AIRES 2018: Kaylee McKeown capped off a golden day for Australia taking gold in the 50m backstroke at the Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games.

The Queenslander touched home in a scorching 28.28 to secure Australia’s third gold medal of the day, following the earlier heroics of golfers Grace Kim and Karl Vilips.

While normally swimming the 100m and 200m backstroke events, McKeown’s time over the single lap was world class, touching home ahead of Russia’s Daria Vaskina and France’s Lila Touili.

“I haven’t been training for 50s before, so to get a gold medal for Australia and add to the tally is really exciting for me,” she said.

“Australia has had a few golds today so to add to that collection is something that I’m very proud of.”

The win takes McKeown’s haul from this meet to a gold, two silver and a bronze from four events.

With her large program, McKeown drew on the support of her teammates to get back up for this medal.

“I’m just really proud of the teammates I’m here with. Without them, I honestly wouldn’t be able to do what I did and they’re with me every step of the way.”

It was sweet revenge for the Australian, who was beaten into silver by the Russian in Monday night’s 100m backstroke final.

With one swim left at Buenos Aires in tomorrow’s 4x100m mixed medley, McKeown has a taste for Olympic competition.

“Everyone’s dream as an athlete is to make the Olympics so I’ve always had Tokyo 2020 in the back of my mind, so hopefully, considering we’re two years out, I hope I can make that.

“For me, I think the Olympics mean doing your country proud and trying your best. It’s something not many people get to experience and if you do make it, you cherish every bit of it.”

olympics.com.au