Missoula’s Katharine Berkoff ready for Paris 2024 Olympics

MISSOULA — The thrill of qualifying for the Olympics is something few people can describe, and for Missoula native Katharine Berkoff, it’s a lifelong dream that has officially come true.

“I feel like my whole life I’ve had this goal, and I’ve always honestly believed that I could do it,” Berkoff told MTN Sports. “So when I did, unfortunately, it wasn’t a moment of great joy, like I really wanted it, it was more of a huge relief, because I was so nervous before that race that something could go wrong and I could screw it up.

“My teammates and coaches have really supported me and made me feel like it was a huge accomplishment, which it is. It just doesn’t really feel like it’s finally happened yet.”

Young swimmers, inspired by Olympian Katharine Berkoff, compete in Missoula’s Firecracker Classic

The 2019 Hellgate High School graduate’s nerves were palpable as Berkoff competed in the Olympic trials in Indianapolis.

After easily reaching the semifinals by becoming the second woman to finish the 100-meter backstroke in under 58 seconds, the nerves grew exponentially and Berkoff needed just one more exceptional performance to achieve her goal.

“But the next day, things were going through my mind, like, ‘What if I slip on the start?’ or ‘What if this happens?’ and all these unnecessary fears that shouldn’t be a problem, because it’s not something I really deal with in training,” Berkoff explained.

So Berkoff settled in and left.

“I was super confident going into it, and I knew I had to be,” she said. “It was so real, and looking back on those memories three years ago, I was really scared it would happen again, I was really nervous before the final, but just hitting the wall and seeing that I had done it took a huge weight off my shoulders. It was amazing.”

Those fears three years ago were that Berkoff would narrowly miss out on qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, but in June those ghosts were dispelled and this year’s result was fruitful, as Berkoff finished second in the 100 backstroke, cementing her place as an Olympian.

“I really understood when I hugged my teammates and my coaches after the race, and they were all crying, and then I started crying, that’s when it really hit me,” Berkoff said. “And then we got our outfits made for the opening and closing ceremonies and all that. And that’s also when I realized this was really going to happen.”

And Berkoff attributed that motivation to seeing fast competitors around her, as well as her failures, as key factors in getting to this point.

“Three years ago when I started testing, I was one of many contenders for that spot, for a spot on the team,” Berkoff said. “I wasn’t sure I was going to make it because there were other people who had my speed and had a chance too.

“So I think I was pretty nervous for that reason, because I knew it was possible, but it wasn’t guaranteed. And this year I’ve reached a new level with my training over the last year and a half, and every year it’s gotten better, so with the way I was training, I had so much confidence in myself, like I knew I was doing really impressive things in training that would translate well into a race.

“I’ve been working on my mental side with a trusted coach and my therapist at home, and that’s really helped me change the way I look at racing and try to remember that it’s all just for fun, that I don’t have to do it, but I choose to do it, and that racing is more of a celebration than a scary thing, so I’ve just tried to really enjoy every part of it.”

Berkoff, who recently finished her decorated career as a 30-time All-American and five-time NCAA champion at North Carolina State, will train in Cary, N.C., through mid-month with the rest of Team USA before everyone heads to Croatia to continue training for the Paris Olympics, which begin July 26 and run through Aug. 11.

Berkoff said she swims nine times a week and also does three strokes during her training. Her head coach at NC State, Braden Holloway, will also join her as an assistant coach for Team USA at the Olympics.

Thus, the Montanaise of the Garden City will be at the forefront at each stage of the journey in the City of Light, since she represents the State of the Treasure.

“I think people in big cities don’t really feel the hometown love that I do,” Berkoff said. “I know so many people were watching me when I was at the trials, and it really hit me before the race, and I was really emotional, because it really meant a lot, just the support from my hometown. I love Montana, and I want to live in Missoula again someday. So it’s really special to represent Missoula and feel like I have a lot of support back home.”

“I think sometimes I take swimming a little bit too seriously. So I think for me it’ll be good to relax and try to make new friends and spend time with people that are important to me, and feel comfortable there (before Paris), so that when I get to the 100m backstroke I feel really comfortable.”