{"id":4841,"date":"2024-01-30T08:43:39","date_gmt":"2024-01-30T13:43:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magazine.alumni.ncsu.edu\/?p=4490"},"modified":"2024-02-01T16:17:33","modified_gmt":"2024-02-01T21:17:33","slug":"one-more-lap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.ncsu.edu\/2024\/one-more-lap\/","title":{"rendered":"One More Lap"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n
Katharine Berkoff \u201923 has five ACC gold medals and is a four-time national champion, taking back-to-back titles in the 100-meter backstroke in 2021 and 2022. The Missoula, Mont., native has also been named an All-American 25 times and is a member of the U.S. national team with a chance to make the Olympics in 2024. Berkoff is pursuing a graduate degree in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What goals have you set for your fifth year?<\/strong> Last year, I didn\u2019t really have the season I wanted. I was just sick all winter. And I was still training but very exhausted. I put a lot of pressure on myself from winning the 100 back two years in a row. I just kind of crumbled under the pressure . . . Now that I didn\u2019t win last year, there\u2019s a lot less pressure on me. My goal is to win again. That would be such an awesome way to end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What has being on the U.S. national team meant to you?<\/strong> My dad was an Olympian in \u201988, \u201992, and that was my first inspiration. From a very young age, this was my goal. Olympic team gold medal, world record.\u2009 . . . Making [USA Swimming\u2019s] world championship team in the 100 back was such a step in the right direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n