Katinka Hosszu punctuated a big day at the Dubi World Cup with a new Hungarian record in the 50 back, the first time the mark has dipped below 28 seconds.
Hosszu went 27.99, taking second in the event to Australia’s Emily Seebohm, who has been all but untouchable in the backstrokes so far this World Cup series. But outside of Seebohm, Hosszu topped the field by more than three tenths of a second, with most of the final clustered in the 28-mid range.
The previous national record was a 28.16, already belonging to Hosszu from back in May of this year. Hosszu is the only swimmer in Hungarian history to be under 29 seconds much less 28, at least according to Hungary’s swimming rankings page.
Hosszu holds national records in 10 of 17 individual events in the long course pool. The only records not a part of her collection are the three breaststroke distances, the 800 and 1500 free, and the 50 and 100 fly.
The second place finish in the 50 back in Dubai helps Hosszu add to her lead in the FINA World Cup point standings. Hosszu has a commanding lead and is all but guaranteed a repeat title, but the Dubai meet serves as a last chance to up her money earnings for the season.