Kathleen Baker Drops Huge 58.57 in 100 Back Final

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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Kathleen Baker continues to be on a roll in 2017 as she unleashed a huge swim in the 100 back final Friday night in Indianapolis. Baker won the national title in the 100 back with a 58.57 to break the US Open and meet record held by Missy Franklin at 58.67. Baker just missed Franklin’s American Record of 58.33 in the race. Baker will be joined in Budapest by Olympic teammate Olivia Smoliga of Georgia. Smoliga was second in the final at 59.17 and clinches her first World Championship berth.

Smoliga slipped off the start in the prelims of the 50 back and failed to make the final. She came back with vengeance in the 100 final to place second and get on the World Championship team. 50 champ Hannah Stevens of Missouri was third at 59.74.

Ali DeLoof (59.77), Regan Smith (59.85), Caroline Baldwin (1:00.37), Bridgette Alexander (1:00.64) and Claire Adams (1:00.76) also competed in the A-final.

Baker’s time puts her second in the world rankings behind Canada’s Kylie Masse (58.21). Baker won the silver medal in Rio last summer and will be looking to upgrade that medal position in three weeks in Budapest.

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Swimming Pool Lovers

6 years ago

Hey, nice job, keep posting!

Thomas A. Small

6 years ago

Congratulations

Korina Sanders McGill

6 years ago

Go Kathleen!

Sharlene Litman

6 years ago

Congratulations!??