Kathleen Baker Downs Natalie Coughlin’s 50 Back American Record

Photo Courtesy: SIPA USA

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Kathleen Baker has readily stepped into her role as the new queen of backstroke, adding a new American Record int the 50 back to her list of accomplishments.

One night after earning silver in the 100 back, Baker sprinted to a 27.48 finish in semi-finals of the women’s 50 back. Her efforts earned her the third place seed going into tomorrow night’s final behind Brazil’s Etienne Medeiros (27.18) and China’s Fu Yuanhui (27.19).

Baker’s 27.48 takes down the 2015 American Record of 27.51 set by the original American backstroke queen: Natalie Coughlin. Coughlin set that record while swimming at the Santa Clara stop of the 2015 arena Pro Swim Series.

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