Kaylee McKeown left in tears after cruel disqualification, but appeal comes back successful

Australia’s golden girl Kaylee McKeown’s dream of winning another world title was almost dealt another killer blow after a dramatic moment this morning.

World record holder Kaylee McKeown has been reinstated into the 50m backstroke final after a dramatic morning disqualification for a false start.

McKeown - who holds the world record at 26.86 seconds - was the clear fastest in Monday morning’s heats with a 27.27 before being ruled out for allegedly leaving the wall early.

But a successful protest this afternoon means she’ll return to the pool for the final, where she’ll be the heavy favourite.

Mollie O’Callaghan was next quickest in the heats with a 27.72, just 0.02 seconds inside the qualifying cut, while Hannah Fredericks swam a personal best of 28.21 to round out the top three.

Kaylee McKeown was disqualied from her 50m backstroke heat on Monday. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

McKeown claimed Olympic gold in both the 100m and 200m backstroke in Paris, where the 50m event was not held.

She is not contesting the 200m individual medley this meet, where she won bronze at the Games.

A Swimming Australia official quickly informed a confused McKeown of what had happened and she was ushered away in tears on Monday.

Her team was quick to appeal the decision, which threated to derail her bid for another world championship title.

But after a successful appeal, McKeown’s hopes of another world championship triumph is alive and well.

She will swim in the 50m backstroke final on Monday night.

Originally published as Kaylee McKeown left in tears after cruel disqualification, but appeal comes back successful