NC State Newsstand: Katharine Berkoff earns gold in 4x100 medley relay
Former NC State swimmer Katharine Berkoff entered the Paris Olympics with a gold medal on her mind. And while she earned a bronze in her signature event, the 100-meter backstroke, Berkoff was still on the hunt for the top step on the podium.
She finally accomplished her mission to close out the Olympic swimming competition.
Berkoff, who swam the backstroke leg of the 4×100 medley relay semifinal, helped qualify the team for the final. While she did not swim in the gold medal round, Team USA’s top medley relay team earned a world record in 3:49.63 to take the gold. Berkoff is the first former Wolfpack women’s swimmer to earn an Olympic gold medal in program history.
Since Berkoff helped qualify the relay team for the final, she received a gold medal for her work. Berkoff, who won five straight ACC titles in the 100 backstroke, swam a 58.98 opening leg of the relay to set Team USA up for success.
Before Berkoff impressed on the Olympic stage, she was a “program changer” in Raleigh. In addition to being a five-time NCAA Champion, including three titles in 100-meter backstroke, Berkoff was also a 30-time All-America honors.
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Now, she will return home as a two-time Olympic medalist. Berkoff, who’s father David claimed four Olympic medals in his swimming career, will get her Olympic ring tattoo with him this summer to commemorate the events.
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“I don’t want to be the guy on third down where it’s ‘We know he’s only here for a pass,’” Joly said. “I want to line up against the best. I’m going to stand my ground and you’re going to have to run through my face.”
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