Speedo USA has announced the addition of two-time Olympic Medalist and World Record holder Kathleen Baker to their team of sponsored professional athletes. The news was announced on August 10 via their Instagram and Twitter handles:
“Swim faster. Set Records. Turn Pro. Welcome to #TeamSpeedo Kathleen Baker,” They said on the posts. Baker has yet to post or make a statement on her new deal. David Marsh, head coach for Team Elite in San Diego commented: “Best suit + Best team =Perfect Choice.” Baker trained with Team Elite leading up to the Phillips 66 National Championships.
The deal comes days after the California Golden Bear announced the start of her professional career, forgoing her final year of NCAA collegiate competition. Five days before this, she set a new World Record in the 100 meter backstroke at the Phillips 66 National Championships. Her run at Nationals also included a title in the 200 backstroke and a new U.S. Open Record in the 200 IM.
Most recently, Baker earned two bronze medals at the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo taking place August 9-14. She led off the Americans on the mixed 4 x 100 medley relay, swam a 58.83 in the individual event, and is slated to race the 200 backstroke and women’s 4 x 100 medley relay later this weekend.
Speedo has also re-signed European Champion Duncan Scott and inked a new deal with Olympic and World Champion Caeleb Dressel in the last four weeks.
