Kaylee McKeown is the first Australian to win four individual Olympic gold medals after triumphing in the women’s 200m backstroke in Paris.

McKeown is also the first swimmer to successfully defend 100m and 200m backstroke titles in Olympic history.

The 23-year-old has collected Australia’s 10th gold medal in Paris.

Compatriot Cameron McEvoy won the men’s 50m freestyle gold just 10 minutes before McKeown saluted on Friday night.

McKeown now has five golds in her Olympic career, with a women’s 4x100m medley victory at the Tokyo Games three years ago among her collection.

Fellow swimmer Emma McKeon holds the Australian record for most Olympic golds – she has won six, with four coming in relays.

McKeown has the opportunity to strike more gold in Paris.

She will race in the semi-finals of the 200m individual medley later Friday night and boasts the event’s fastest time in the world this year.

McKeown defended her 100m backstroke crown on Tuesday night and her victory over the longer distance gives Australia’s swim team a seventh gold medal in Paris.

Other Dolphins winners in the French capital are Ariarne Titmus (women’s 400m freestyle), the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team, Mollie O’Callaghan (women’s 200m freestyle), the women’s 4x200m freestyle team and McEvoy.