USA Swimming Senior Nationals Results: Rachel Bootsma Sprints Way to 50 Back Triumph

Rachel Bootsma swims the 100 backstroke.

Photo by Peter H. Bick

Editorial coverage for U.S. Senior Nationals proudly sponsored by Master Spas!

IRVINE, California, August 8.

California’s Rachel Bootsma, the American record holder with a 27.68, reminded everyone just who the fastest female sprint backstroker in American is as she clocked a 28.35. That time locked her a spot on the 2015 Worlds roster as she moved to 17th in the world. Bootsma was so close to the lane line that she and Olivia Smoliga high-fived each other under the flags.

Fresno’s Cheyenne Coffman, who continued her march to national prominence after an incredible NAIA career, took second in 28.42. Smoliga, meanwhile, took third in 28.49.

Club Wolverine’s Ali Deloof (28.70), California’s Elizabeth Pelton (28.85), Missouri’s Hannah Stevens (29.00), Cavalier’s Courtney Bartholomew (29.00) and Longhorn’s Sarah Denninghoff (29.01) also competed in the A final.

Aquakids’ Clara Smiddy hit the wall in 28.95 to win the B final. SwimMAC’s Madison Kennedy checked in with a second-place 29.15, while Tiger’s Caley Oquist earned third in 29.26.

Byron Center’s Taylor Garcia won the C final in 29.35 with Schroeder Y’s Ashlyn Schoof placing second in 29.40. SoCal’s Emily Eastin took third in 29.44.

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