25.21 seconds: Katharine Berkoff takes the 50-metre backstroke world record

In Westmont, Illinois, at the USA Swimming trials for the World Short Course Championships, Katharine Berkoff touched the wall in 25.21 seconds in the 50-metre backstroke — a new world record, taken from fellow American Regan Smith. 'It felt pretty good, kinda felt like I hit my details a bit better than this morning,' the 25-year-old from Missoula, Montana said afterwards. 'Yeah, I felt really strong, so I was super happy about that.' Berkoff, a Hellgate High School product, already owns an Olympic gold medal from the Paris 2024 medley relay among her 13 career golds — and now owns the fastest short-course 50 backstroke ever swum.