American Kathleen Baker was the top qualifier heading into the final of the 100-meter backstroke with countrywoman Olivia Smoliga also qualifying in Lane 8. Both women were looking to continue the US dominance in the event where they won three straight golds starting with Natalie Coughlin’s 04-08 double in Athens and Beijing, followed by Missy Franklin back in 2012.
Katinka Hosszu and Emily Seebohm were the two favorites with the Hungarian coming in as the 400 IM gold medalist and now-World Record holder, and the Australian as the defending World Champion in this event. It was Hosszu who would go on to win gold as she outtouched Baker for the silver.
Seebohm Starts Strong But Hosszu With Gold
Baker got off to a strong start off the wall, and it was evident because of her touching at the first 50 just .05 seconds behind Seebohm of Australia all the way up in Lane 1. Yuanhui Fu of China was third at the wall.
The Australian could not keep her momentum from her strong first 50 as she began to fade but Baker, who was given no chance by many to medal given the strong field, continued to prove the doubters wrong by leading with 75 meters to go. The Hungarian displayed her veteran presence as she went right by Baker to win gold.
Kylie Masse and Yuanhui Fu tied for the bronze at 58.76 seconds, just .01 seconds ahead of Baker. Mie Nielsen of Denmark missed out on a medal by .04 seconds with a 58.80. Smoliga finished in sixth with a 58.95.
