100 metres Backstroke, Women

Swimming rules for backstroke were slightly different in 1992, as no hand touch was required at the turn, a rule put into effect in March 1991. It mattered little to Hungary’s Krisztina Egerszegi, who had won the silver medal in this event in 1988, trailing East German Kristin Otto. But since Seoul Egerszegi had been the world’s best backstroker, winning both events at the 1991 World and European Championships and setting world records in both events. When this event started she already had one gold in Barcelona, in the 400 IM, which she added to her 200 backstroke gold from Seoul. She would later win the 200 back, giving her four gold medals.

The final was delayed by 15 minutes because of the preceding race, the men’s 100 free, which required a review of the tape. Egerszegi went out ahead early, although American Lea Loveless stayed close throughout. But she could never move ahead and Egerszegi won her second Barcelona gold in 1:00.68, the third fastest performance ever. Loveless was passed near the end by Egerszegi’s teammate Tünde Szabó.