Kathleen Baker sets world record in 100 back at U.S. nationals

IRVINE, Calif.—Kathleen Baker had settled for a firstplace tie in the 200-meter backstroke. In the 100 back, she wanted the attention for herself.

Setting a world record guaranteed it.

The 21-year-old Olympian won in 58.00 seconds at the U.S. national championships on Saturday night, lowering the world mark of 58.10 set by Kylie Masse of Canada at last year’s world championships in Hungary. Baker finished second to Masse in Budapest.

“I’m sort of on cloud nine right now,” said Baker, known for keeping her goal times in her cell phone as a daily reminder.

“Right now it’s a 58.10 and I just broke that so now I’m going to put 57.99 down,” she said, laughing.

Baker also took possession of the American record, bettering the time of 58.33 set by Missy Franklin in 2012. Franklin didn’t enter the backstroke events at nationals after having surgery on both shoulders 1 1/2 years ago.

Olivia Smoliga was second in 58.75 and 16-year-old Regan Smith took third in 58.83, a junior world record.

Baker completed a sweep of the backstroke events in Irvine, having tied Smith for the 200 title.

“It’s really special to be able to have a tie when we both do so amazing,” Baker said, “but of course I’m overjoyed with the world record and a first-place swim.”

As a result, Baker and Smith earned spots on the U.S. team for next month’s Pan Pacific championships in Japan and next year’s world championships.

Baker earned a silver medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics in the 100 back.

Baker has been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which causes inflammation of the digestive tract that can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss.

Katie Ledecky dominated the 400 freestyle, leading all the way to win by 3.12 seconds for her third victory of the meet.