FLASH! Kate Douglass Takes Down 50 Free World Record, Sets Up Showdown With Walsh
Kate Douglass admitted she was aiming for a world record in the 100 freestyle leading off the 400 free relay at the Pan Pacific Championships.
About 12 hours later, Douglass threw down a 23.49 to shatter the 50 freestyle world record during the prelims of the 50 free.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting that. I knew I could do a 23 this morning, but was not expecting to go the world record this morning,” Douglass said. “I still think there are things I could clean up. I think barely missing a world record last night kind of fueled me a little bit and I know I wanted to go in and break the world record today, and I did it this morning. I am more rested than when I broke the world record the first time, and I have been amped up. My freestyle has been really good, and I am just using that to feel on top of the water and feel like I can go world records.”
It broke the mark of teammate Gretchen Walsh, who held the previous mark at 23.55.
With one heat to go, Walsh had a chance to take it back, but went a 23.78 to come close to her teammates’ swim .
“I definitely waited until Gretchen’s race was done (before I warmed down),” Douglass said. “She put up a good fight and I think tonight is going to be a great race.”
But it was Douglass who broke the mark and it sets up a sensational battle in the final tonight.
They have been the faces of American sprinting for the past few years and it has been an incredible ride watching them go back and forth with records and titles.
Both will be on the line tonight in Irvine.
It could be a huge night for Douglass with a double (200 breast) and a possible relay spot.
“I would love to give it a shot,” she said. “I feel like it would be a good challenge.”
