Kylie Masse is now a world champion and a world record holder.
The LaSalle swimmer won the gold medal in the 100 m backstroke at the FINA World Swimming Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Her time was 58.10 seconds, breaking a world record that stood for eight years.
Masse says her accomplishment is taking a bit of getting used to.
"I don't think it's really sunk in yet," she told reporters in a conference call from Budapest. "But, I touched the wall and I looked back and I had to make sure I was looking at the right name and the right time. I was super excited, and in the moment, I don't even know what I was thinking, but excitement and joy."
She did it! Kylie Masse is the first female Canadian World Champion ever in swimming #FINABudapest2017 #InOurNature pic.twitter.com/0rNNDuD09C
— Swimming Canada (@SwimmingCanada) July 25, 2017
“After the Olympics I just gained a lot more confidence in myself and experience,” said Masse. “I gained a lot from just doing that routine for a week, doing prelims, semis and finals. All that experience really helps and makes you feel more confident.
Kathleen Baker of the United States was second in 58.58 seconds and Australia's Emily Seebohm was third in 59.59.
Masse won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
