University of Wisconsin fans went crazy when Beata Nelson touched first in the 200-yard backstroke Saturday night to complete the greatest individual effort at the NCAA swimming and diving championships in program history.
Nelson stared at her NCAA-record time of 1:47.24 for a few moments, then managed a half-hearted fist pump after winning her third NCAA title in as many days in Austin, Texas.
“I just took a deep sigh. That one really burns,” Nelson said of the 200 backstroke. “It was a great race all the way to the end. I’m just kind of happy it’s over.