NC State Newsstand: Katharine Berkoff logs second-place finish at U.S. Olympic trials
NC State has a chance to place an Olympic swimmer on Team USA. Katharine Berkoff, a five-year star for the Wolfpack, logged a second-place finish in the 100-meter backstroke Tuesday night in Indianapolis.
Berkoff finished as the runner-up in 57.91, which should earn her a spot on the Olympic team this summer. She will have to wait until the end of the trials to see how many spots remain on the squad, but the NBC television broadcast said it was “likely” Berkoff would be in Paris.
The Missoula, Mont., native was joined by two other current NC State swimmers and an incoming freshman in the final. Kennedy Noble finished third in 58.81, while Rhyan White came in fifth at 59.07 and rising freshman Leah Shackley logged a seventh-place finish with a 59.40 swim.
Three-time Olympic medalist Regan Smith broke the world record with a 57.13 swim to claim the top spot in the event.
Berkoff previously competed at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials with a fourth-place finish in the event.
Since then, Berkoff has been on a tear as a part of NC State’s swim team. She’s a five-time NCAA Champion, including three titles in 100-meter backstroke, while swimming to 30-time All-America honors. Berkoff is also a six-time ACC Champion, winning the 100-meter backstroke event in five straight years.
In addition to Berkoff’s success in the water, she was named the 2024 H.C. Kennett Award winner, which honors the top female athlete at NC State. Berkoff was also the 2022 Honda Sport Award finalist and a four-time All-ACC Academic team selection during her time with the Wolfpack.
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There was speculation whether this would be Avent’s final season in Raleigh, but he ended those after getting back from Omaha.
“I always said I’d retire here when I felt I’ve done everything I can do,” Avent said. “Part of that everything I can do is to make sure the stadium is built. Until that stadium is built, I have no thoughts of retiring. As long as I feel like I’m making a difference in their lives and I’m more of a help than a hindrance. Right now, they make me feel like that, whether they’re fooling an old man or not. I have no thoughts of leaving.”
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