Team USA’s Kate Douglass triumphed in the women’s 200m breaststroke at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, clocking in at 2:19.24 on Thursday, August 1, setting a new American record.
South Africa’s Tatjana Smith secured the silver medal, finishing just behind Douglass at 2:19.60. The Netherlands’ Tes Schouten claimed the bronze with a time of 2:21.05.
Douglass had a strong start, gaining an early lead over Smith with powerful turns. Although Smith closed in during the third lap, Douglass regained her lead in the final lap, securing the gold medal.
This victory marks Douglass’s first Olympic gold, adding to the silver she won earlier in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay. She still has one more individual event, the 200m individual medley, where she previously earned a bronze medal at Tokyo 2020.
Reflecting on her strategy, Douglass said, “I knew if I hit my best time and the American record, I could win. That was the plan. I saw my position at the turn and kicked into high gear. I wasn’t sure if she would catch me, so I stayed calm and collected. With the 200m breaststroke, I can stay relaxed because I have a specific race plan, and if I stick to it, things usually go well.”
On her gold medal win, Douglass expressed excitement: “I’m really excited. For a while, I wasn’t sure if becoming an Olympic champion was possible for me. Now, it’s thrilling to see it happen.”