Pan Pacific Championships, Night Two Finals: Katharine Berkoff Breaks American Record to Win 50 Backstroke
While most of the 50 backstroke spotlight has been on the European Championships this week, the U.S. women were looking to make their mark too.
Italy’s Sara Curtis broke the world record in the event during semifinals, then bettered it again in finals, setting the bar at 26.56.
U.S. Olympic medalists Katharine Berkoff and Regan Smith were coming off of a 100 backstroke showdown on the first night of the Pan Pacific Championships with Berkoff getting to the wall first in the 1-2 finish.
They had another in the 50 back.
Berkoff held off a late charge to break the American and meet record in 26.90, creeping closer to Curtis.
“I am feeling really good. (Winning two) was my goal this week. Breaking 27 was definitely part of the goal, so I am glad I did that tonight,” Berkoff said. “It is always exciting to break barriers. I am really excited about it.”
Smith was second in 27.14 nearly getting to Berkoff.
“Regan and I are good friends and we push each other at lot. It is fun to have someone I know so well and who is always so fast right there with me. I think we feed off of each other.”
Claire Curzan won the B final in 27.42.
