Kate Douglass Cements Place As World’s Most Versatile Swimmer With Shock World Record
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Kate Douglass set a new world record in the 50-meter freestyle with a time of 23.59 seconds at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Indianapolis, breaking a three-year-old record held by Sarah Sjostrom.
- Douglass is uniquely versatile, holding the Olympic title in the 200 breaststroke and now the world record in the fastest swimming event, the 50 free, along with Olympic medals in the 200 individual medley and a world record in the medley relay.
- Her record swim made her the first American woman in 40 years to hold the 50 free world record, and she significantly lowered her personal best by .32 seconds.
- The achievement surprised Douglass and her coach, Todd DeSorbo, who praised her perfect execution, especially her improved start and breakout.
- This record adds complexity to Douglass's upcoming competition schedule at the Pan-Pacific Championships, where the 50 free, 200 IM, and 200 breaststroke events occur on the same day, forcing her to reconsider her event lineup.
