Katharine Berkoff is embracing the art of evolution in a sport that often demands perfection. Rather than relying solely on raw power or repetitive practice, she’s diving into the cerebral side of racing—understanding when to go all out, when to conserve, and how to make every stroke count
In doing so, she’s becoming not just a better swimmer, but a more complete athlete. Her journey through the 2025 season will be one to watch—not just for the medals, but for the maturity, the mindset, and the mastery she’s bringing to every race.
Katharine Berkoff’s record-breaking swim in the 50m backstroke is not just a national milestone — it’s a declaration.
She has entered the conversation as one of the world’s top backstrokers and has momentum on her side as she prepares for the global stage.
With her unwavering mindset, elite skills, and relentless drive, Berkoff is poised not only to challenge the world record but to redefine what’s possible for American women in backstroke sprinting. The countdown to Doha — and eventually Paris — has begun, and all eyes will be watching her next move.
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Katharine Berkoff Shatters 50m Backstroke Record
A Defining Moment in U.S. Swimming
American swimmer Katharine Berkoff carved her name into the record books with a stunning performance at the U.S. Swimming Championships, breaking the women’s 50-meter backstroke national record.1
Her time of 26.97 seconds not only earned her a decisive victory but also marked her as the only American woman to swim the event in under 27 seconds.
In doing so, she dethroned the previous record holder, Regan Smith, and bested some of the sport’s top competitors.
A New Era Begins: Breaking the 27-Second Barrier
Katharine Berkoff’s remarkable feat was not just about winning a race — it was about breaking barriers.
The 27-second mark in the 50m backstroke had long been considered a formidable benchmark in American women’s swimming. Berkoff’s 26.97 seconds now stands as a new national record and places her in an elite category of swimmers globally.
This performance was more than just a record-breaking swim — it was a message. Berkoff demonstrated that American backstroke swimming is evolving, and she is at the forefront of that transformation.
Toppling the Giants: Beating Smith and Curzan
Berkoff’s win was especially significant considering the elite company she shared in the pool. Regan Smith, the former national record holder and one of the world’s premier backstrokers, finished second. Claire Curzan, another prodigious talent, came in third.
These two swimmers have been mainstays in international backstroke events, and defeating them adds weight to Berkoff’s win.
While all three are expected to represent the U.S. in future international meets, Berkoff’s recent performance gives her a psychological edge heading into the World Championships.
From Preparation to Execution: A Personal Mission
In her post-race interview with SwimSwam, Berkoff shed light on her preparation and mindset leading into the race. Her main goal, as she mentioned, was to swim under 27 seconds.
That in itself reveals her confidence and high standards. Even though she achieved that goal, her desire to go “a tiny bit faster” shows a competitor who is never satisfied — a crucial trait of world-class athletes.
Interestingly, she described the race as “super weird,” indicating that not everything felt in sync during the swim. She admitted she couldn’t see where her competitors were and felt “kind of weird.”
Yet, despite this perceived lack of clarity, she touched the wall with a time that stunned the swimming community.
Her raw honesty makes the achievement even more impressive.
Katharine Berkoff: Fueling Confidence Ahead of Worlds
One of the most powerful takeaways from Berkoff’s record-breaking swim is the timing of it.2
With the World Swimming Championships just weeks away, her performance couldn’t have come at a better moment.
She now heads into the international meet with confidence, momentum, and a proven track record of beating her toughest domestic competitors.
As she said in her interview, this result is “good motivation for five weeks from now.” That forward-thinking mindset and the ability to use a personal milestone as fuel for future success show maturity and focus. Her trajectory is sharply upward.
Rising Among Legends: Second Fastest in the World
Berkoff’s 26.97-second swim now makes her the second-fastest woman in history in the 50m backstroke.
The only swimmer ahead of her is Australian sensation Kaylee McKeown, whose world record stands at 26.86 seconds. This narrow margin of just 0.11 seconds illustrates how close Berkoff is to the ultimate global achievement.
With McKeown likely to compete at the upcoming World Championships, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between two of the world’s best. A head-to-head battle could produce another historic swim — perhaps even a new world record.
Teeter totter 😘🥰❤️😍🤤😝👍🤯😊🥵😁😜💕☺️🙃or seesaw😩😡🤥🤭🤬🥱🥴🤮🤧😵😑😐😶👿💩
— Katharine Berkoff (@_katpoop) August 5, 2020
Olympic Synergy: From Rivals to Teammates
What makes Berkoff’s journey even more compelling is her dynamic with Regan Smith.
While she overtook Smith’s national record in the 50m backstroke, the two are also teammates in the 4x100m medley relay for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
This blend of rivalry and camaraderie is common in elite-level swimming. Berkoff and Smith pushing each other to new heights can only benefit Team USA.
Their combined efforts, along with swimmers like Curzan, form one of the strongest medley squads in recent memory.
Training Roots and Athletic Pedigree
Katharine Berkoff is not new to elite performance. A former standout at NC State University, she honed her skills under one of the nation’s top collegiate programs.
Her discipline, underwater strength, and breakout speed have always set her apart, but her recent improvement in sprint times is evidence of evolution in her technique and training.
Berkoff also comes from a swimming family. Her father, David Berkoff, was a two-time Olympic medalist and a backstroke innovator who pioneered the underwater dolphin kick. Clearly, talent and passion for swimming run in the blood.
What Sets Katharine Berkoff Apart?
Several aspects differentiate Berkoff from her peers:
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Underwater Mastery: Her underwater dolphin kick is among the fastest and most efficient on the U.S. team.
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Sprint Specialization: While many swimmers spread themselves across events, Berkoff has carved out a niche in backstroke sprints.
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Composure Under Pressure: Her ability to deliver under championship conditions, even in an odd-feeling race, highlights her competitive temperament.
These strengths not only make her a formidable swimmer but also a likely contender for medals at the World Championships and Paris Olympics.
All Eyes on Doha
The next stop for Berkoff is the World Swimming Championships in Doha, Qatar, scheduled to begin in a few weeks. With her recent time placing her among the top global contenders, expectations will be sky-high.
The 50m backstroke is a non-Olympic event but serves as a great showcase of raw speed and technique. A strong showing in Doha will further establish her as a force to reckon with in the 100m backstroke, the Olympic version of her specialty.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond medals and records, Berkoff’s breakthrough performance serves as an inspiration to young swimmers across the country.
Her journey — marked by resilience, goal-setting, and surpassing personal limits — embodies what it means to chase excellence in sport.
Her story shows that even when a race feels “weird” or uncertain, belief and preparation can lead to astonishing results. In doing so, she’s not just raising the bar for her competitors but uplifting the spirit of American swimming.
Also Read: Rebeca Andrade Teases Olympic Comeback: Will Paris 2028 Be Her Grand Stage Again?
Katharine Berkoff Eyes Smarter Racing and Technical Refinement
As the 2025 long course swimming season kicks into gear, American backstroke specialist Katharine Berkoff is focused not just on racking up wins—but on swimming smarter.3
The 24-year-old has already made waves early in the season, claiming two gold medals in the 50-meter backstroke at the TYR Pro Swim Series events in Fort Lauderdale and Sacramento.
But Berkoff isn’t resting on her laurels. Instead, she’s using these early meets as stepping stones for bigger goals ahead, both technically and strategically.
Reflecting on the Past to Improve the Future
Berkoff has been candid about how the lessons from her 2024 season are shaping her approach to 2025.
In an interview with SwimSwam, she reflected:
“I think I’m looking forward to taking what I learned last summer and applying it to this upcoming season. I mean, I am just trying to learn how to pace myself better at meets, not put too much into prelims or semis. Just trying to swim a little smarter than I have.”
This insight underscores a major evolution in her racing philosophy. The previous season wasn’t just about medals or times—it was about self-discovery and growth.
Berkoff’s desire to refine her approach is evidence of a swimmer who is maturing and seeking sustainability and consistency in her performances.
Less Pressure, More Precision: A Shift in Strategy
For elite swimmers, every stage of a meet—prelims, semis, and finals—can be intense. But Berkoff is learning that exerting maximum effort in every round isn’t always the smartest strategy.
In fact, she’s planning to shift her focus away from overexertion in early heats, instead conserving energy and executing her races with more precision.
This doesn’t mean swimming slowly or slacking off. Rather, it’s about knowing when to unleash her full potential and when to hold back just enough to stay sharp for the final. It’s a calculated approach aimed at maximizing performance when it matters most—on the podium.
Building on Technical Excellence
Berkoff is widely regarded for her powerful underwater kicks and sharp breakout skills—hallmarks of a world-class backstroker.
However, even the best have room for improvement. In her 2025 training, she’s identifying areas of her technique that could give her a competitive edge.
While she hasn’t specified every technical tweak she’s working on, it’s likely that she and her coaching team are analyzing everything from stroke tempo and turn speed to start mechanics and pacing strategies.
Small changes in these areas can result in major time drops, especially in sprint events like the 50m and 100m backstroke.
Katharine Berkoff: Momentum from TYR Pro Swim Series
Berkoff’s strong showing at the TYR Pro Swim Series events in Fort Lauderdale and Sacramento has given her early momentum in 2025.
Winning gold in the 50m backstroke in both meets is no small feat. These performances not only reinforce her elite status but also offer a testing ground for the strategic and technical changes she’s implementing.
More importantly, these wins provide psychological momentum. The confidence gained from early victories can carry over into national championships and international competitions later in the season.
For Berkoff, these wins are affirmation that her new approach is working—and that she’s on the right track.
Eyes on the International Stage
While Berkoff hasn’t explicitly outlined her international goals for 2025, it’s safe to assume that qualifying for and performing well at events like the World Championships or Pan Pacific Championships are on her radar.
To reach those heights, her strategy of conserving energy and racing smart will be crucial.
International meets are notorious for their packed schedules and grueling competition. Athletes who burn out in early rounds often find themselves out of medal contention by the time finals arrive.
Berkoff’s evolving approach could give her the stamina and mental edge needed to thrive in these high-stakes environments.
Katharine Berkoff: Favorite Drink
Katharine Berkoff shared a video herself while making her recent favorite drink Matcha on her social media account.
View this post on Instagram
Training Smarter, Not Just Harder
- The “work smarter, not harder” mindset is often applied in business or academia, but Berkoff is applying it to the pool. She’s balancing physical training with tactical learning.
- Pacing, energy management, and psychological preparation are just as vital as the hours spent in the water.
- This holistic view of her sport may also help reduce injury risks and burnout—common issues for elite-level athletes.
- By training with purpose and racing with strategy, Berkoff is setting herself up for longevity in the sport.
- At 24, Katharine Berkoff is entering what many consider the prime age for competitive swimmers.
- She’s no longer the young up-and-comer; she’s a seasoned athlete with international experience and national titles.
- That experience is evident in the way she talks about her goals and growth.
- Her comments reflect a swimmer who’s learning to trust herself more, listen to her body, and focus on long-term performance over short-term results.
- This maturity could be the key factor that elevates her from national champion to global powerhouse.
Also Read: Rebeca Andrade Teases Olympic Comeback: Will Paris 2028 Be Her Grand Stage Again?
