Sport: Swimming Country: Global Category: Breaking News

Kate Douglass sets new 50m freestyle world record at Pan Pacs prelims

4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 15, 2026, 7:20 PM

Last updated Aug 15, 2026

Kate Douglass sets new 50m freestyle world record at Pan Pacs prelims

Summary

Kate Douglass broke the 50m freestyle world record during prelims at the Pan Pacific Championships in Indianapolis on August 15, 2026. She completed the swim in 23.49, reclaiming the record from training partner Gretchen Walsh, with whom she has been trading the title all summer. Douglass previously earned a silver in the 50 butterfly and contributed to a mixed 4x100 medley relay world record at the same meet. The finals for the women's 50m freestyle are scheduled for later today, where Douglass will compete against Walsh for the title.

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By the Numbers

•Douglass broke the record at Pan Pacs prelims in Indianapolis.
•Her time of 23.49 reclaims the title from Gretchen Walsh.
•Douglass also earned a silver medal in the 50 butterfly earlier in the meet.
•She was part of a world record in the mixed 4x100 medley relay.
•The women's 50m freestyle final is scheduled for later today.

Latest Updates

7:41 PMESPN — Douglass blazes to 50-meter free world record
7:06 PMYahoo Sports — American Kate Douglass reclaims 50m freestyle world record
6:22 PMYahoo Sports — Kate Douglass reclaims world record in 50m freestyle
6:01 PMYahoo Sports — Kate Douglass takes back 50m freestyle world record in Pan Pacs prelims

What they're saying

"
Kate Douglass shattered the women's 50m freestyle world record on Saturday, clocking 23.49sec in the heats at the Pan Pacific Championships to set a tantalizing showdown with former record-holder Gretchen Walsh.Walsh, swimming in the last heat after Douglass broke her record, touched in 23.78, the second-quickest of the morning.
— Yahoo Sports