Former NC State Swimmer Katharine Berkoff Sets American Record in 50m Backstroke

Former NC State Swimmer Katharine Berkoff became the first American female swimmer to swim the 50m Backstroke in under 27 seconds yesterday at the Toyota Nationals. Her time of 26.97 is a new American Record, and the 2nd fastest time in history.

Katharine Berkoff sets a NEW AMERICAN RECORD to take the 50m backstroke win! 🇺🇸

📺 Peacock | #ToyotaNationals pic.twitter.com/QCZNjJM1FQ

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) June 6, 2025

Last Summer, Berkoff won a Bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris in the 100m Backstroke, becoming the first NC State Women’s Swimmer to win a medal in the Olympics.

She also won a Gold medal in the 4×100 Medley Relay. Berkoff is 1 of 5 former NC State Athletes to win multiple medals in the Summer Olympics.

She graduated NC State last year with the school record in 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, 100 Backstroke, 200 Medley Relay, 400 Medley Relay and 400 Free Relay. Berkoff was a 30x All-American, and a 6x ACC Champion.