Hubert Kos Among Top 200 Backstroke/200 Butterfly Performers This Century (See List)
During last weekend’s Longhorn Aquatics Elite Invite, Hungarian Hubert Kos lowered his personal best in the 200-meter butterfly to 1:55.11. That performance chopped nearly a second off his prior record, a 1:56.01 from last year. While Kos is best known for his prowess in the backstroke events, he has routinely excelled in additional disciplines, thus earning a reputation as one of the sport’s premier performers.
The reigning Olympic champion in the 200 backstroke and a two-time world champion in the event, Kos’ drop in the 200 fly brought him into some exclusive company. This century, he now ranks third among athletes who have put together strong performances in both the 200 back and 200 fly. On top of the list is Michael Phelps, whose skill in the 200 backstroke does not get the credit it deserves. Remember, at the 2004 Olympic Trials, Phelps qualified for the Athens Games in the 200 back, but opted to scratch the event, a move that handed the Team USA berth to Bryce Hunt.
Here is a look at the top eight men – based on combined time – in the 200 backstroke and 200 butterfly this century.
Michael Phelps
200 Backstroke: 1:54.64
200 Butterfly: 1:51.51
Combined Time: 3:46.15
Tyler Clary
200 Backstroke: 1:53.41
200 Butterfly: 1:53.64
Combined Time: 3:47.05
Hubert Kos
200 Backstroke: 1:53.19
200 Butterfly: 1:55.11
Combined Time: 3:48.30
Leon Marchand
200 Backstroke: 1:57.14
200 Butterfly: 1:51.21
Combined Time: 3:48.35
Laszlo Cseh
200 Backstroke: 1:56.69
200 Butterfly: 1:52.70
Combined Time: 3:49.39
Jack Conger
200 Backstroke: 1:55.47
200 Butterfly: 1:54.47
Combined Time: 3:49.94
Kristof Milak
200 Backstroke: 1:59.75
200 Butterfly: 1:50.34
Combined Time: 3:50.09
Carson Foster
200 Backstroke: 1:56.97
200 Butterfly: 1:53.70
Combined Time: 3:50.67
