In the world of swimming, the 50-meter backstroke is a race that has seen a surge in talent and speed this season. Among the standout performers is Morgan Scott, a versatile swimmer who has made a remarkable transition from sprint freestyle to backstroke. Scott's recent achievement of breaking 28 seconds in the 50-meter backstroke has put her in the spotlight, and it's time to delve into the fascinating story behind this achievement.
A Versatile Swimmer
Morgan Scott's journey to becoming a backstroke specialist is quite intriguing. Initially, she was primarily a sprint freestyler, excelling in the 100-meter freestyle. Her times were impressive, with a personal best of 46.78 seconds, which earned her a second-place finish at the NCAAs the year after. Scott also showcased her versatility by winning SEC titles in the 100-meter freestyle in 2021 and the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle in 2022.
However, it was her backstroke prowess that caught everyone's attention. Scott's elite level in long-course swimming was evident when she clocked 28.48 seconds at the 2023 U.S. Nationals, placing 12th. Her talent in the 100-meter backstroke was further showcased when she won the 'B' final in 1:00.48 the previous year.
A Return to Form
After a brief hiatus from the sport, Scott made a remarkable comeback with Texas Ford Aquatics. Her return to form was evident in her lifetime bests in the 50-meter fly and 50-meter backstroke. Scott's 50-meter backstroke has been her standout event, with a recent time of 28.17 seconds, placing her second behind Olivia Smoliga, who is also under 28 seconds this season.
What makes Scott's achievement even more impressive is her consistent improvement. At the COR July Invite, she sliced two tenths off her best, dipping under 28 seconds for the first time with a time of 27.98 seconds. This performance places her as the 42nd-fastest swimmer in the world this season and the 11th-fastest American.
American Dominance in Backstroke
The dominance of American women in the 50-meter backstroke is evident in the rankings. Out of the 44 swimmers who have broken the 28-second barrier this season, a quarter of them are American. The list includes standout performers like Katharine Berkoff, Isabelle Stadden, and Leah Shackley, who have all broken 27 seconds.
The U.S. dominance extends to the 100-meter backstroke as well. Out of the 35 swimmers who have broken 60 seconds this season, 11 are American, giving a ratio of 1 in 3. Half of the top 12 swimmers this year have been American, with Regan Smith and Isabelle Stadden leading the pack.
A Global Perspective
While the U.S. has dominated the backstroke scene, other nations have also made their mark. Australia, for instance, has eight swimmers under 28 seconds this season, with Kaylee McKeown, Mollie O'Callaghan, and Iona Anderson among the top ten. France and the U.S. each have two swimmers in the top ten, with Italy, Russia, and Canada completing the lineup.
Expanding the list to include swimmers who train in the U.S. but compete for their home nation, you add five more swimmers, including Sara Curtis from Italy and Mary-Ambre Moluh from France. The ratios for the 100-meter backstroke swing even more towards the U.S., with six swimmers under 59 seconds this season.
The Future of Backstroke
As the season progresses, the future of backstroke looks bright for the U.S. With the likes of Anna Peplowski, Claire Curzan, Gretchen Walsh, and Isabelle Stadden, the U.S. team is well-positioned to continue its dominance. The final of the U.S. Nationals is almost as star-studded as the World Championship final, with Kennedy Noble and Josephine Fuller both sub-59 in the Olympic Trials final in 2024.
In conclusion, Morgan Scott's achievement of breaking 28 seconds in the 50-meter backstroke is a testament to the depth and talent in American swimming. With the season still in its infancy, the future of backstroke looks bright, and the competition is sure to get even more exciting as the season progresses.
