Kate Douglass Leads Overhaul of Top-Five Performer Lists (Women’s Edition)
As expected, following the three major international competitions of the summer (Commonwealth Games; European Championships; Pan Pacific Championships), several events experienced a shuffle in terms of their all-time rankings. Most notably, the United States’ Kate Douglass altered the historical hierarchy of three events at Pan Pacs, headlined by her world record of 23.19 in the 50-meter freestyle. Douglass also moved to No. 2 all-time in the 100 freestyle, behind an American record of 51.69, and she jumped to No. 3 in the 50 butterfly, as she cracked the 25-second barrier with a mark of 24.99.
A star at both the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs, Australian Lani Pallister improved her No. 5 ranking in the 400 freestyle to 3:58.42 and upped her standing in the 1500 freestyle to third, behind a mark of 15:38.62.
Interestingly, the 50 backstroke experienced a massive overhaul of its rankings, with Sara Curtis surging to No. 1 behind a world record of 26.56 and Katharine Berkoff moving to No. 3 with an American record of 26.90. Meanwhile, Russia’s Alina Gaifutdinova went 26.91 in the semifinals of the 50 back at the European Championships to move to No. 4 in the event.
Here is a look at the five women who used the three major summer international competitions to become a top-five performer in history.
Kate Douglass – United States
- 50 Freestyle – No. 1 (23.19)
- 100 Freestyle – No. 2 (51.69)
- 50 Butterfly – No. 3 (24.99)
Lani Pallister – Australia
- 400 Freestyle – No. 5 (3:58.42)
- 1500 Freestyle – No. 3 (15:38.62)
Sara Curtis – Italy
- 50 Backstroke – No. 1 (26.56)
Katharine Berkoff – United States
- 50 Backstroke – No. 3 (26.90)
Alina Gaifutdinova – Russia
- 50 Backstroke – No. 4 (26.91)