The Pack will be represented in Paris.
Katharine Berkoff, who is one of the most accomplished swimmers in NC State history, will have a chance to add to her lengthy list of achievements in Paris next month at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Berkoff earned a spot on Team USA in the 100m backstroke event with a second-place finish at the Olympic trials this week. Given that the woman who beat her, Regan Smith, set a new world record in the process, I’d say second place is pretty good.
All-time good, actually. She finished in 57.91 seconds, after finishing in 57.83 seconds during the semifinals. The latter is the fourth-fastest time in the history of this event, and Smith is the only American who has been faster. She’s one of five women to finish the 100m backstroke in under 58 seconds, ever.
As you might guess, she was a dominant force in this event in college, winning three NCAA titles (2021, 2023, 2024), along with five consecutive ACC titles (2020-2024).
Berkoff could be joined in Paris by fellow Wolfpack alum Ryan Held, who will swim in the 50m freestyle final at the US trials on Friday night.