Kathleen Baker Feels like 1:07 Makes her a “Real” Breaststroker (Video)

2020 PRO SWIM SERIES – DES MOINES

Reported by Nick Pecoraro.

WOMEN’S 200 BACK FINALS

Top 3

Regan Smith led the race from the start, pushing through fatigue as Kathleen Baker gained on her during the last 25 meters. Smith touched first at 2:06.16 while Baker’s lunge forward earned her a PB and 2020 World #3 time of 2:06.46. Baker was just three-tenths off her lifetime best of 2:06.14.

Taking third also under 2:10 was Aggie Lisa Bratton, clocking in at 2:09.63. Winning the B-final was 15-year-old Mackenzie Lanning, touching in at 2:15.34.

In This Story

8
Leave a Reply

Subscribe
Notify of

8 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Swimmerj
4 years ago

Queen. So classy. Love.

Smith-King-Dahlia-Manuel
4 years ago

I’m glad to see Kathleen rounding back into form. The more, the merrier for Team USA.

Justanotherfreestyler
4 years ago

I’m just happy the uggs are back in all the A finals again

Wow
4 years ago

Have always had so much respect for Kathleen and this interview is a reminder of why this sport is so lucky to have her. So articulate, clearly so driven, and with a great message for anybody who wants to be elite, or even just be their own best. Best of luck, Kathleen!

Honest Observer
4 years ago

One of the striking things about this (incredible) meet was how many great second and third place finishes there were, swims that for the most part seemed to go under the radar. In Baker’s events, most of the buzz was about Regan Smith — and rightfully so — but Baker’s performances, especially this 100 breast, indicate that she’s going to be a serous challenger in the 200 IM at Trials, and if she makes it, at the Olympics. She’s also going to be a huge threat in the backstrokes; Smith is the favorite, as she should be, but she’s going to have to be at the top of her game to hold Baker off, especially in the 100.

Another… Read more »

Taa
Reply to  Honest Observer
4 years ago

I think the Cal guys used the meet to test their speed out. Not saying they were fully rested but they certainly weren’t tired from heavy training. Other swimmers/coaches also seemed to get the memo to not overtrain heading into trials. Nice adjustment made by those that did this.

Ol' Longhorn
Reply to  Taa
4 years ago

They were conference rested (like the college team), just not shaved. They still have big drops in them.

Erik
4 years ago

Uh, yah..

About Coleman Hodges

Coleman Hodges

Coleman started his journey in the water at age 1, and although he actually has no memory of that, something must have stuck. A Missouri native, he joined the Columbia Swim Club at age 9, where he is still remembered for his stylish dragon swim trunks. After giving up on …

Read More »