Kathleen Baker Breaks 100 Back SCM American Record

by Robert Gibbs 7

September 29th, 2018 News, Swimming World Cup Series

2018 FINA WORLD CUP – EINDHOVEN

Kathleen Baker now owns two of the three Americans records in the 100 back after throwing down a 55.91 at the day 2 finals of the Eindhoven World Cup stop this weekend.

The former Cal swimmer, who turned pro this spring and proceeded to set the world record in the 100 back at this summer’s US Nationals, beat out Australia’s Emily Seebohm today by a 0.16s margin in a close race.

Baker’s time just edged out the previous American Record of 55.92, which Courtney Bartholomew set at the 2015 Duel in the Pool.

Here’s a look at Baker’s and Bartholomew’s comparative splits:

Baker 2018

  • 26.91
  • 29.00
  • Total: 55.91

Bartholomew 2015

  • 27.19
  • 28.73
  • Total: 55.92

Today both Baker and Seebohm were well off the world record of 55.03, which belongs to Katinka Hosszu, and the World Cup record of 55.23, which Shiho Sakai set back in 2009.

Baker is now the fastest American swimmer in two of the three 100 back distances.  The short course yard record belongs to former Bay Area rival Ally Howe, who swam a 49.69 at the 2017 Pac-12 Championshps while representing Stanford, although Baker also has the 200 back short course record.

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Superfan
5 years ago

I still am questioning Kathleen trying to double next summer in the 100 back and 200 IM. Today she had the 200 back and 200 IM and failed to make finals in the IM She has almost a year to change your mind or get better at the doubles . I feel confident Marsh and Kathleen will figure it out

WorldCupFan
Reply to  Superfan
5 years ago

Not the same events, and it’s September. She stated in an interview she’s been in the water less than a month.

bula
5 years ago

Baker goes out so fast. Respect.

Really
Reply to  bula
5 years ago

Also respect for Bartholomew closing

Scribble
Reply to  Really
5 years ago

Bartholomew had great underwaters. I think this is why she retired 3 months before Olympic Trials. She had a great NCAA, so why not quit on top.

Hswimmer
Reply to  Scribble
5 years ago

I thought she went to trials?

Scribble
Reply to  Hswimmer
5 years ago

https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/enjoy-the-moment-when-i-knew-i-was-ready-to-retire/

It was a tough decision for her. She was one of the top backstrokers in the nation and after a long career, she retired after her last swim at NCAAs, three months before Olympic Trials. Interesting article, good for her for making a decision for herself.

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