Ally Howe\u00a0<\/strong>turned in perhaps the most stunning performance of the NCAA season so far when she took down\u00a0Natalie Coughlin’s\u00a0<\/strong>15-year-old American record in the women’s 100 back Friday night. Howe finished in 49.69, much faster than the 49.97 Coughlin swam to set the record in Austin, Texas, in 2002.<\/p>\n

Saturday night, Howe finished third in the 200 back in 1:51.16, and after that effort she spoke with\u00a0Swimming World<\/em> about all that had happened in the previous few days.<\/p>\n

Howe discussed what she believed she could do going into the final and how she reacted when she touched the wall. She also reflected on the historical implications of her accomplishment, especially upon realizing how young she was when Coughlin first set that American record. Howe also discussed her team’s reaction to winning a Pac-12 championship and discussed how they might refocus for the NCAA championships next month.<\/p>\n