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I’ve never been shy to share that Kylie Masse is a friend of mine. So yes, in theory, most things I say about her would likely be heard with some bias, but do you blame me?
Every time she races, I’m immediately taken back to the 2016 Rio Olympics. I still see the girl who was thrilled to be at the Olympic Games. At 20 years old, Kylie was soaking up every moment on her first national team. With the help of the infectious “we-can-do-this” attitude of that 2016 squad, she had the race of her career (up until that point) and reached the Olympic podium in the 100-metre backstroke. She rose from 201st in the world to third in less than two years, a feat few can say they’ve achieved.
The pressure built into the next season; now the swimming world knew who she was. And the 100-metre backstroke world record mark was within reach. At the 2017 world championships, many watched as Kylie surged to the first female Canadian swimming world title in history, breaking the world record in the process.
But I couldn’t help notice the deep breath she took touching the wall. A sense of relief. She managed the expectation and bravely executed a swim she knew she was capable of.
It looked similar to the deep breath I saw many years later, when the medley relay team won bronze at the 2023 world championships. Pure emotion in the mixed zone as she stood hand in hand with her teammates. That medal kept Kylie’s streak of podium performances alive, on the last race of the last night.
A deep breath is what I needed watching the final 25 metres of her 200m backstroke final at the Paris Olympics. Pure guts and grit was the difference (also known as four one hundredths of a second) between third and fourth. Kylie added another Olympic medal to her impressive resume.
She has spent the last decade on the podium at the international level. And that consistency carries weight. It’s one thing to get there, but it’s a whole other thing to stay there. Listen, I was a decent swimmer every other year. Great 2012, off 2013, great 2014, off 2015, great 2016… you get the gist. But it adds a whole new layer of perspective when I try to make sense of all Kylie has achieved. It’s difficult to put into words the relentless commitment behind her success – the small decisions, the daily habits and the consistency required to perform at that level year after year.
Get to know three-time world champion and three-time Commonwealth Games champion swimmer Kylie Masse, as she will be competing for Canada at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
No singular formula for success
Kylie has proven time and again that there is not a singular formula for success in this sport. Do you have to be a teenage sensation? She made her first national team in her 20s. Do you have to shorten your distance as you get older? Kylie hopped on the podium at her third Olympics, in her longest distance (200m). Should you only focus on swimming? She earned a Kinesiology degree from University of Toronto while chasing, and winning, 13 individual U Sports titles.
If you listen to a Kylie Masse interview, you’ll notice it’s never about her. It’s always about the team, respect for her competitors, thanking the fans or her coaches, sending love and appreciation to her family. Kylie’s success timeline has run parallel to a lot of other Canadian stars in the pool – Penny Oleksiak in Rio, Maggie MacNeil in Tokyo, Summer McIntosh in Paris. To no one’s fault, she tends to fly a little under the radar. But this is my chance to shine a light in her direction.
Kylie Masse is a “lead-by-example” type of leader, setting a humble precedent for excellence that you want to follow. Not the loudest in the room, unless you’re blasting her favourite Afrobeats or hip-hop, but she’ll definitely make you feel welcome.
WATCH | Masse named Canada’s swimming captain:
Kylie’s is suit up for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, her third. Having won nine medals already, she is approaching the all-time record for most decorated Canadian at the Commonwealth Games (a title held at 12 by shooter Sharon Bowes).
This week she’ll take on the 50m and 100m backstroke, and is likely to be selected for a few medley relays, as well.
We’ve talked about the potential of her racing in Los Angeles in two years. And I don’t doubt for a second that she won’t take her marks at SoFi Stadium in July 2028. But before we get there, let’s all take a second to cherish the moment, take that deep breath, and enjoy this opportunity to watch Kylie race.
There is always some sort of magic, often quiet, so don’t miss it.
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