“I started upgrading in 2016, so I am very satisfied with it,” said Marse, who won the bronze medal in Rio de Janeiro.

“This is a very challenging and talented field of athletes. They have been swimming frantically all year, so I know it will be a battle. I am proud to be on the podium tonight.”

A close match was predicted, and it could not be more tense. Australia’s Kelly McKeon set an Olympic record with a time of 57.47 seconds. Masse followed closely behind with a score of 57.72. American Regan Smith won the bronze medal with a score of 58.05.

Watch | Kelly Mars wins the silver medal in the 100m backstroke:

Australia’s Kaylee McKeown set an Olympic record with a time of 57.47 seconds, and two-time defending world champion Kelly Mars from LaSalle, Ontario, won the runner-up in the women’s Olympic 100-meter backstroke with a time of 57.72 seconds. 5:49

Although most Olympic venues are quiet and there are no fans, the Tokyo Aquatic Center is a hustle and bustle. The stands on the side of the swimming pool were crowded with swimmers and team officials, injecting some welcome energy into the building. Their cheering and waving flags created a good atmosphere, as Marseille and the other runners rushed to the finish line.

Masse set the rhythm in this fierce final. She completed the fastest 50-meter race ever with a score of 27.91, but could not hold on in the second half of the race.

This 25-year-old knows that it takes something special to be on the podium.

Maas said that winning the Olympic gold medal was originally “incredible”, but she did not regret the way she played.

“Kelly swims very fast, she is the world record holder. I have to beat her at 57.30, and I didn’t do that today,” Marseille said. “This is the second fastest time I have ever run. After such a crazy year, I am proud of this in the Olympic final.”

Watch | The public accepts the silver medal:

Watch Kylie Masse from LaSalle, Ontario win the Olympic silver medal in the women’s 100m backstroke. 1:11

Byron MacDonald, a swimming analyst for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and one of the most respected coaches in the country, said that Maas did her best to put herself in a winning position.

“The only person who beat her was the world record holder, so you can’t complain. She went out soon, and then she made a very strong push, but in the end she couldn’t stop the Australians.

“Three tenths of a second [the margin of victory in this race] MacDonald, who teaches Masse at the University of Toronto, said: “It’s a considerable distance, maybe a foot and a half, but it’s still close because you never know what you can do differently.”

“I think it is impossible for Kylie to change most of her game plan. I think she executed very well.”

Watch | Breaking Canada’s important night in the pool:

Vivek Jaocb broke a crowded swimming night for Canadian women on the 4th day of Tokyo in 2020 2:10

Everyone who competes in Tokyo faces the challenges of these Olympics, especially Canadian athletes, who were locked in most of the last year and were unable to train at the level they are used to. At the same time, many other people-including Australians-have been in the swimming pool, and despite the COVID-19, they have never really missed a beat.

“I don’t want to think about it too much. It is clear that everyone is facing challenges this year–some people have more than others–but I will never use this as an excuse,” Maas said.

Watch | How Canadian swimmers were affected by the pandemic:

Canada is in the golden age of swimming, and many medal contenders headed to Tokyo. But the epidemic may be the biggest challenge between them and the podium. 11:18

After winning the bronze medal in Rio, Marseille knew very well what her goal in Tokyo was.

“I want to achieve my personal best,” she told CBC Sports. I want to be the fastest in my history, and if this happens, I will be very happy. “

Despite participating as the defending world champion, experts and odds-makers did not think that Mars had a chance to win this game, but instead focused on Smith and McKeon, who created it in the Australian trials a few weeks ago. world record.

For Canada, the past few days have spent a magical time in the pool, first with the silver medal in the women’s 4×100 freestyle, and then yesterday’s Maggie Mac Neil (Maggie Mac Neil) 100 butterfly gold medal.

Watch | Mac Neil won Canada’s first gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics:

Maggie Mac Neil of London, Ontario won the Canadian gold medal in the women’s 100m butterfly in 55.59 seconds in Tokyo on Monday morning, winning Canada’s first gold medal in the Olympic Games. 6:28

Masse’s silver medal allowed him to win three medals in the swimming pool. As the swimming competition continues, Canada has more opportunities.

“Being surrounded by other successful people is very inspiring. It makes you want to achieve this goal and be a part of it,” Maas said afterwards, her silver medal still on her neck.

“I know there is a lot of discussion about motivation, which is true. It was incredible and inspiring to watch Maggie win the gold medal yesterday.”