Canada’s Kylie Masse missed out on a chance to add to her Olympic medal total, finishing fourth in the women’s 100-metre backstroke final on Tuesday.

Masse finished in 58.29 seconds, while bronze medallist Katharine Berkoff of the United States touched in 57.98.

Australia’s Kaylee McKeown won gold in an Olympic-record 57.33 seconds, while American Regan Smith was second in 57.66.

Masse reached the final after finishing second in her heat and fifth overall in 58.82.

Coming into Paris 2024, Masse posted the best time in the women’s 100-metre backstroke with a time of 57.94 seconds at the Olympic & Paralympic Trials.

Masse, from LaSalle, Ont., won bronze in her Olympic debut in 2016. She earned her first world title a year later and set a world record at the same time. 

At the Tokyo Games in 2021, Masse took silver in the 100 and 200 backstroke and added bronze in the 4×100 medley relay. 

Canadian Ingrid Wilm, who also made the final, finished in sixth. This is the first Olympics for the Calgary native.

Canadian swimmer Kylie Masse fell short of the podium in the 100m backstroke final at the Tokyo Olympics, finishing in fourth place. Despite being the reigning world champion in the event, Masse was unable to replicate her success on the Olympic stage.

Masse, who hails from LaSalle, Ontario, had high hopes heading into the final after posting the second-fastest time in the semifinals. However, she faced tough competition from the likes of Australia’s Kaylee McKeown and USA’s Regan Smith, who ultimately claimed the gold and silver medals, respectively.

Despite missing out on a medal, Masse put in a strong performance, finishing just 0.15 seconds behind third-place finisher Rhyan White of the United States. The Canadian swimmer’s time of 57.72 seconds was just off her personal best and Canadian record of 57.70 seconds.

Masse’s fourth-place finish marks a disappointing result for the 25-year-old swimmer, who had been a favorite to contend for a medal in the event. However, she can take pride in her efforts and use this experience as motivation for future competitions.

Masse will have another chance to compete for a medal in the 200m backstroke event later in the Games. With her determination and talent, there is no doubt that she will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of swimming.