Olivia Smoliga American Record 50 Back Post-Race Interview (Video)

^{Reported by Lauren Neidigh.}

WOMEN’S 50 BACK:

WINNER: OLIVIA SMOLIGA, 27.43

• Round 1 (Quarterfinal): Olivia Smoliga was the fastest through the quarterfinal by over 3 tenths in 28.08, just .07 shy of her prelims swim. Smoliga, the 9th fastest American in history, will look to move up in the American rankings tonight. Her best is a 27.89 from the Austin Pro Swim this year, where she narrowly missed winning the shootouts. Also advancing were Ali Deloof (28.43), Katharine Berkoff (28.68), and Amy Bilquist (29.00).
• Round 2 (Semifinal): Smoliga tied her lifetime best to dominate the semifinal, touching 27.89. She remains the 9th fastest American performer ever. Fellow National Teamer Ali Deloof will advance to the semifinal with her, as she touched in 28.45 ahead of Berkoff (28.75) and Bilquist (28.85)
• Round 3 (Final): Olivia Smoliga came through with a new American Record in 27.43, clearing the former mark of 27.48 done by Kathleen Baker last summer. That makes her the fastest American Record ever after she entered the meet at #9 all-time among Americans.