Isabelle Stadden Continues Stellar Year With 2:04.76 200 Backstroke for National Title
One year ago, Isabelle Stadden was outside of the championship finals in the 100 and 200 backstroke at U.S. Nationals, having not swum a best time in four years. Now, she has moved to the forefront of the world backstroking conversation after a breakout season. She swam a time of 2:04.37 in the 200 back in May to become the fourth-fastest performer in history, and she swam just a few tenths slower on the way to a national title.
Racing against an always-strong contingent of American backstrokers Wednesday evening in Irvine, Calif., Stadden out-split the field on every length as she pulled away to win by more than two seconds. She touched in 2:04.76, a time that only Kaylee McKeown, Regan Smith, Missy Franklin and Stadden have ever surpassed. Only McKeown and Stadden have been quicker this year.
“The national title is a big honor,” Stadden told NBC Sports in a post-race interview. “Honestly, I’m not sure how to put it into words, but I’m just really happy that I chose to believe in myself and my coaches decided to take a chance on me and that it’s all coming to play.”
Stadden will not be part of the U.S. team at the Pan Pacific Championships, selected based on 2025 performances, but her time in this event would likely be strong enough to get onto the podium, especially with McKeown missing the meet due to injury. Stadden still has the 50 and 100 back remaining at Nationals, and she has set herself up to contend with the likes of Smith and World Championships bronze medalist Claire Curzan for international spots in this event moving forward.
