NCAA Champion Phoebe Bacon Will Stay for Fifth Year at Wisconsin

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

When Wisconsin senior Phoebe Bacon won her second NCAA title in the 200-yard backstroke, she wasn’t ready to decide on her future yet.

But after a little reflection on the NCAA meet, Bacon has decided to take the NCAA’s fifth-year of eligibility allowed to athletes affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. She will have one more year with the Wisconsin Badgers.

“Let’s run it back for one more year with the Badgers,” Bacon wrote on Instagram. “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to be a Badger for another year! As well as get the chance to swim with Finn Bacon again!”

Bacon won the 200 back in 1:48.23, breaking the pool record in the process – the ninth-fastest performer of all-time. It was her first NCAA title since her freshman year.

“Everybody is hurting on the last day, but you have to push through and finish. (Winning) feels awesome,” Bacon said. “It is pretty special to win a national title. To do it my senior year and book end it like that is really fun. It makes it that much more special – especially how my career went post-the last national title. This summer should be looking pretty good.

“Growing up I have always been a big competitor and never one to shy away from a fight, and the past couple years, I was a little bit shy, or not want to fight as hard. Being able to acknowledge that to myself was big – I want to win.”

That is the mantra she is taking into the Olympic Trials.

“Fight or flight kicked in and I want to fight,” she said. “The fight really kicks in when it needs to in the backstroke races in the U.S. I have to hope it is there, and put on my blinders and race, because I know what I can do.”

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SETH

1 month ago

Go Badgers!