2018 U.S. National Championships
- Wednesday, July 25 – Sunday, July 29, 2018
- William Woollett Aquatics Center, Irvine, CA
- Prelims 9 AM / Finals 6 PM (U.S. Pacific Time)
- Meet website
- Meet information
- Event Order
- Full selection procedures
- Psych Sheet
- SwimSwam Previews Index
- TV Schedule
- Pick ‘Em Contest
- Omega Results
Kathleen Baker of Team Elite was honored with the Phillips 66 Performance Award at the conclusion of the 2018 U.S. National Championships, in recognition of her 100 backstroke win on Saturday night. Baker broke the World Record in finals here in Irvine with 58.00, which lowered by 1/10 the 58.10 mark set by Canada’s Kylie Masse at 2017 FINA World Championships in Budapest.
Baker’s front half was much quicker than Masse’s; she was out in 27.90, only 2/10 slower than Olivia Smoliga’s winning time in the 50 back (27.70) on July 27 in Irvine. Baker came home in 30.10 for a final time of 58.00
| Kathleen Baker, 2018 | Kylie Masse, 2017 | |
| 1st 50 | 27.90 | 28.51 |
| 2nd 50 | 30.10 | 29.59 |
| 100 | 58.00 | 58.10 |
2017-2018 LCM WOMEN 100 BACK
BAKER
58.00*WR
| 2 | Kylie MASSE | CAN | 58.54 | 02/04 |
| 3 | Emily SEEBOHM | AUS | 58.66 | 04/07 |
| 4 | Olivia SMOLIGA | USA | 58.75 | 07/28 |
| 5 | Regan SMITH | USA | 58.83*WJR | 07/28 |
FASTEST PERFORMERS EVER: WOMEN’S 100 BACK
- Kathleen Baker – 58.00
- Kylie Masse – 58.10
- Gemma Spoffort – 58.12
- Anastasia Fesikova – 58.18
- Emily Seebohm – 58.23
- Missy Franklin – 58.33
- Katinka Hosszu – 58.45
- Aya Terakawa – 58.70
- Fu Yuanhui – 58.72
- Mie Nielsen – 58.73
Baker tied with Regan Smith to win the 200 back on Thursday, then closed out the meet with a victory in the 200 IM on Sunday. Her 200 IM time was a personal best by 3.2 seconds.
I may repeat myself again but What a Class Act Baker is !!! Jeezzzz , 3 titles , one WR , full mascara on , Joyful personality and excited to see perform in 2 weeks time with Masse . incredible swims in perspective and relays .
It’s going to be a battle between her and Ledecky for “Female Swimmer of the year” at golden goggles.
and Regan Smith
Unless she does something really special at Pan Pacs, she won’t be in the mix.
I have seen Kathleen Baker’s Lats. So when are we going to see Kathleen Baker’s Lashes? Those are amazing.
I imagine they would be really hard for a swimmer to maintain. How would they not just fall out in the pool? You’d have to get fills all the time. And wouldn’t they bump up against your goggles and annoy you?
I have questions for Kathleen Baker’s Lashes….
Stunning meet performance by Ms. Baker. Thoroughly deserved the award.
I think she has been under-rated. Even earlier in the week, after young Regan Smith, Stadden, etc swam amazing prelims, some commentators called her old, 20th century swimmer, etc.
Female swimmer of the meet.
Congratulations Kathleen Baker!
Why do I feel like eating watermelon?
Lol. Love the suit!
For her 3 national titles and 2 world #1 races.
you should also mention 200 IM is a Us Open record and the #1 time in the world!!