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Katharine Berkoff on her Father David: “He was my biggest inspiration”

2023 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

After her win in the 50 back, Katharine Berkoff was asked about her swimming roots, specifically her father, who was an NCAA and Olympic champion and was the primary reason there is now a 15m rule about going underwater off of turns. Berkoff said her father has been the biggest inspiration of her career, noting that she never felt pressure from either of her parents about swimming. However, once she found out what her father had accomplished in the sport, she wanted to accomplish the same.

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Old Guy in Speedos
1 year ago

You’re better than your Dad…

Joel Lin
1 year ago

I’d like to see Katherine Berkoff time trial or a meet DQ swim 50 back to go mostly underwater for time. I think she’d have a good shot at going under the 50 back world record time.

Coach
Reply to  Joel Lin
1 year ago

so would most word-class backstrokers, I’d imagine.

Max Polianski
1 year ago

Great to see it – father also was a great friend of Berkoff, and he talks very highly of him

Marklewis
1 year ago

She keeps swimming faster every year.

Regan has no room to falter because Katherine is right there.

The 100 back is full of WR holders. But Katherine could swim past all of them.

I don’t think there’s ever been a father and daughter both making the USA Olympic swimming team.

Last edited 1 year ago by Marklewis
Mike McCormack
1 year ago

I was crushed…devastated when he didn’t take gold in the Oly individual. I was enchanted by the 40 meters underwater method!

Lui
1 year ago

Wasn’t there a time when they used to say “Berkoff blastoff”? I didn’t know she was the daughter until now but this week I kept calling her Berkoff blastoff junior. It’s amazing how talents run in the family

Weinstein-Smith-Ledecky-Sims
1 year ago

It’s great to watch college athletes develop as has been the case with Katharine Berkoff.

Ironman6
1 year ago

Katharine is such a star! Certainly great pedigree.

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