Kate Douglass sets 50 free world record in Indy: ‘Did not expect (that) like ever’

• Kate Douglass set a new world record in the women’s 50-meter freestyle at the TYR Pro Swim Series.
• She finished the race in 23.59 seconds, breaking the previous record held by Sarah Sjöström.

INDIANAPOLIS — Five-time Olympic gold medalist Kate Douglass made history Friday night at the TYR Pro Swim Series, becoming the fastest woman ever in the 50-meter freestyle.

Douglass touched the wall in 23.59 seconds at the Indiana University Natatorium, shaving two hundredths of a second off the previous world record of 23.61 set by Sweden’s Sarah Sjöström at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships.

“I think I’m still in shock,” Douglass said during a post-race interview. “I don’t know what to say.”

The crowd erupted as Douglass looked up at the scoreboard, taking in the significance of her swim. She edged teammate Gretchen Walsh, who finished second in 23.78. Walsh’s time also bettered the previous American record of 23.91, which she and Douglass had shared, but it wasn’t enough to catch Douglass’ world-record performance.

“(I) did not expect a world record in 50 free like ever in my life,” she said.

Known more for her success in the 200-meter breaststroke, where she owns the American record and won Olympic gold, Douglass has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most versatile swimmers. Her latest accomplishment came in one of swimming’s purest sprint events, further showcasing her range.

“I think I just nailed the breakout and I just really accelerated toward the finish,” Douglass said. “I think it’s cool to be able to swim a bunch of different things.”

The swim may also alter her plans for the remainder of the season.

“I don’t think I was planning on doing the 50 free much this summer in August,” Douglass said. “Now maybe we’re rethinking that.”

Jessica Garcete is an IndyStar sports reporter.