U.S. Nationals: Katharine Berkoff Scares American Record in 50 Backstroke; Edges Regan Smith by Hundredth
The women’s 50 backstroke, as most of the women’s events have been this week, packed with Olympians and national champions looking to build toward another Olympic year.
The 50 backstroke is all about the start and underwater push amidst a sea of speed.
Katharine Berkoff had the strong start and the speed and finished in 27.12, a hundredth of a second off the American record and one hundredth of a second ahead of Regan Smith in the closest race of the meet so far.
The two kept pace the entire race and touched the wall seemingly even and had to look up at the scoreboard to know who won the race.
“I like the 50 back because you don’t have to think a whole lot, it is just a bunch of fast stuff. I was just trying to nail my start and get the details right,” Berkoff said. “I was pretty relieved to be honest. There is no pressure on me from anyone but myself, but I put a lot of pressure on myself, so to get that was a pretty relieving.”
Berkoff set the American record last year and qualified for worlds. Winning and racing this fast was a little validation.
“I have been slightly more prepared this year. I was more ready, so there was more pressure in that sense, trying to live up to my own expectations,” Berkoff said. “Missing the Olympic team has been one of the greatest learning experience. It has been a challenge being a backstroker. Everyone my age chose to do backstroke. Maintaining how I did last year was really validating.”
After finishing second in the 100 butterfly earlier in the night at U.S. Nationals, Gretchen Walsh had a short break before getting back in for the 50 backstroke and finished third in 27.54.
Former world champion Olivia Smoliga was fourth in 27.65, ahead of Cal’s Isabelle Stadden was fifth in 27.73.
Rhyan White, who took second in the 200 backstroke, finished sixth in 27.96, ahead of Amy Fulmer (28.05) and Erika Brown (28.28).
