Women’s 200 Backstroke
Following a Dutch gold-silver in the 100 free, the Americans responded with a one-two finish in the 200 backstroke as Lisa Bratton and Kathleen Baker got to the wall nearly in synch, in times of 2:00.71 and 2:00.79. Baker was out like a rocket and led the whole way through the 150. Bratton had the fastest final 50 meters in the field.
That time keeps Bratton as the third fastest American ever, improving on her 2:01.00 from prelims. Baker remains the second fastest ever, having posted a 2:00.69 at a World Cup meet this fall.
Bratton(on winning gold): “It feels really good. I just wanted to take my typical race plan. I knew the girls around me would be out. I don’t take it out very hard, so if I had a shot at the hundred – just race it home.”
Australia’s Emily Seebohm finished in 2:01.37 for bronze. Hungarian Katinka Hosszu finished short of the podium in her first race of the night, touching fourth in 2:01.99.
Italy’s Margherita Panziera (2:02.50), Russia’s Daria Ustinova (2:02.96) and Japanese swimmers Sayaka Akase (2:03.92) and Emi Moronuki (2:05.80) rounded out the top eight.
All-Time Rankings:
- Katinka Hosszu, HUN, 1:59.23 (2014)
- Daryna Zevina, UKR, 1:59.35 (2016)
- Emily Seebohm, AUS, 1:59.49 (2015)
- Missy Franklin, USA, 2:00.03 (2011)
- Shiho Sakai, JPN, 2:00.18 (2009)
- Kathleen Baker, USA, 2:00.69 (2018)
- Lisa Bratton, USA, 2:00.71 (2018)
- Elizabeth Simmonds, GBR, 2:00.83 (2011)
