Cal’s Rachel Bootsma raced to an NCAA title ahead of a loaded 100 back field during Friday finals at the 2016 Women’s NCAA Championships. The senior finished her last collegiate 100 backstroke with a time of 50.28, giving her a 3rd career NCAA title in this event.
Bootsma was less than 2 tenths off her personal best time, which she set at 50.03 when she won NCAAs last season. Relative to last year, she was out slightly quicker in 24.53, but came home about 3 tenths slower with a 25.75 on the back half.
| 1st 50 | 2nd 50 | Time | |
| Bootsma 2015 | 24.59 | 25.44 | 50.03 |
| Bootsma 2016 | 24.53 | 25.75 | 50.28 |
That time was also the 6th fastest 100 backstroke in history. She now holds 3 of the all time top 10 performances in this event. On the all time top performers list, Bootsma is 3rd behind Natalie Coughlin, the only woman to swim under 50 in history, and Courtney Bartholomew. Bartholomew finished 2nd behind Bootsma tonight in 50.73.
All Time Top Performances, 100 Backstroke:
- Natalie Coughlin, 2002- 49.97
- Courtney Bartholomew, 2014- 50.01
- Rachel Bootma, 2015- 50.03
- Rachel Bootsma, 2013- 50.13
- Courtney Bartholomew, 2015- 50.19
- Rachel Bootsma, 2016- 50.28
- Cindy Tran, 2012- 50.31
- Courtney Bartholomew, 2014- 50.39
- Cindy Tran, 2012- 50.42
- Natalie Coughlin, 2011- 50.45
Congratulations on a well done college swimming career. You are a great example of stamina and endurance to all of us. Keep up the good work.