For this swimmer, that backstroke medal is still in the family, 32 years later.
U.S. swimmer Kathryn Berkoff, 23, followed in her father’s footsteps on Tuesday by winning a bronze medal in the 100-meter backstroke, the same day that her father, David, won a bronze medal in the same event in 1992.
“It’s amazing,” a still-breathless Kathryn Berkoff told reporters on deck after an incredible race.
“It’s been really special. I’m really happy to be following in my father’s footsteps,” she added.
Making her Olympic debut in the event on Tuesday, Berkoff finished just 0.32 seconds ahead of silver-medal winning teammate and world record holder Regan Smith and 0.65 seconds ahead of gold-medal winning Australian swimmer and Olympic record holder Kayleigh McKeown.
The race was gripping, with Olympic rookie Berkoff running strong alongside Smith and McKeon before narrowly losing ground in the final five metres.
2024 Paris Olympics
Berkoff raced strongly, beating five other world-class competitors to win her first Olympic medal.
David has won four Olympic medals: two gold, one silver, and one bronze.
The veteran swimmer represented the United States at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Spectators saw the proud father jump up and down in joy as his daughter slammed into the wall in third place, before embracing his daughter with tears in his eyes at the edge of the stands.
His brother, Berkoff, swam at North Carolina State University and was a three-time NCAA champion and five-time ACC champion in the 100-yard backstroke.
She is a 30-time All-American and completed her fifth year with the team this May.
Team U.S. Olympic swimming competition continues in Paris through Sunday.
