INDIANAPOLIS — Missoula native Katharine Berkoff emerged victorious in her heat during the 100-meter backstroke semifinals at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Swim Trials held at Lucas Oil Stadium. She posted one of the fastest times ever by an American woman.
Berkoff, a Hellgate High School graduate and recent North Carolina State collegiate athlete, completed her race in 57.83, surpassing second-place Josephine Fuller (58.79) by nearly a full second.
Katharine Berkoff wins the first 100 back semifinal of the night in 57.83 and becomes the second American woman to break 58 seconds in the event … ever.
That other American woman is coming up next in the second semi. #SwimTrials24
The victory propels Berkoff into the 100 backstroke finals on Tuesday, as she aims for a spot at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The American record holder in the event, Regan Smith, broke her own record in the 100 backstroke during the subsequent heat, clocking in at 57.47 seconds.
After dominating the women’s 100-meter backstroke preliminary races on Monday with a time of 58.09 seconds, Berkoff secured the second-fastest qualifying time.
This week, Berkoff is also participating in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle races. The 100 freestyle prelims are scheduled for Tuesday, while the 50 freestyle prelims will take place on Saturday.
Berkoff had an illustrious career at North Carolina State, breaking the school record in seven events, winning five national titles, and achieving a remarkable 30-time All-American status. In 2024, she clinched the NCAA championship in the 100 backstroke and earned All-American honors in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle relay, and 400 medley relay.
Berkoff is one of two Montanans competing at this year’s Olympic Trials. Liam Kerns from Billings participated in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke prelims on Saturday.
(Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to include the 100-meter backstroke semifinals on Monday. The original story omitted the semifinal races.)
