Former NC State All-American Katharine Berkoff Wins the World Championship in the 50m Backstroke

Former NC State All-American Katharine Berkoff won the World Championship in the 50m backstroke yesterday, earning her first world title.

Katharine Berkoff claims her first individual world title as Regan Smith takes silver in the 50m backstroke.

📺: Peacock | #AQUASingapore25 pic.twitter.com/Suyz98Kiaz

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 31, 2025

Berkoff won two medals at the 2024 Olympics last summer, earning a bronze in the 100m backstroke and a gold in the 4×100 medley relay. She is only the 4th NC State Women’s Swimmer to become an olympian. Regardless of sport, Berkoff is 1 of 13 former NC State athletes to win a medal in the Summer Olympics, and 1 of 5 to win multiple.

Berkoff graduated NC State with school record in 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, 100 Backstroke, 200 Medley Relay, 400 Medley Relay and 400 Free Relay. As a member of the Wolfpack, she was a 30x All-American, and a 6x ACC Champion.