Olympian Katharine Berkoff Endorses Spectrum Aquatics

August 18^th, 2025 - Missoula, MT

Two-time Olympic Medalists and World Champion Katharine Berkoff Endorses Spectrum Aquatics Sprint with Rapid Lock™ Starting Block Top and Full Line of Competitive Swimming Equipment. Spectrum Aquatics is proud to announce a new partnership with Olympic medalist, World and NCAA Champion Katharine Berkoff, who has officially endorsed the Sprint with Rapid Lock™ starting block top as well as the full line of Spectrum Aquatics competitive pool equipment. This patent-pending innovation is redefining competitive swimming starts with faster, smoother adjustments and unmatched reliability.

Key Features of Sprint with Rapid Lock™:

• Retrofittable onto Spectrum Aquatics starting block bases.
• The lightweight design ensures the Sprint is easy to install, remove, and transport.
• Rapid Lock™ features a user-friendly paddle-style lever, facilitating quick and easy adjustments.
• Designed to be free of cables and pins, eliminating the primary failure point of starting block tops.
• Customizable with logos or artwork on both the top and wedge.
• Interchangeable top plates for sponsorship and fundraising opportunities.
• Featuring a grit overlay that offers exceptional traction without causing discomfort.
• Complies with World Aquatics, USA Swimming, NCAA, and NFHS regulations.
• Constructed from 30% glass-filled polypropylene, a durable plastic, with corrosion resistance.
• The wedge structure and slide mechanism are crafted from 316L series stainless steel and UHMW.

"The sprint rapid lock is a game-changer in competitive swimming. The wedge is easy to adjust and lock into place, and with the block’s grip, size, and texture combined with its new rapid lock system, it’s hard to beat." Katharine Berkoff

“Katharine’s dedication to excellence mirrors our own commitment to engineering the best stainless steel aquatic equipment in the industry. We are thrilled to have Katharine on Team Spectrum.” Nabil Khaled, Vice President of Sales & Marketing.­­

About Spectrum Aquatics: Spectrum Aquatics, a PlayCore company, has been meeting and beating aquatics industry standards for more than 49 years. Spectrum has an established reputation for manufacturing and distributing a broad array of quality products used in the construction and operation of commercial swimming pools and spas. Learn more at www.spectrumproducts.com

About PlayCore: PlayCore is a purpose-driven company committed to building stronger communities around the world by advancing play and recreation. The company infuses scholarly learning, through its Center for Outreach, Research, and Education, into its comprehensive family of brands. PlayCore combines best-in-class educational programming with the most comprehensive portfolio of commercial play and recreation products and services to create tailored solutions that match the unique needs of each community served. Learn more at www.playcore.com

About Katharine Berkoff: Katharine Berkoff is a powerful performer in backstroke events, known for breaking barriers such as the sub-49-second 100-yard backstroke NCAA record. Beyond the pool, she has been recognized as a scholar-athlete for her academic and athletic excellence throughout her collegiate career. On the world stage, she has continued her family’s Olympic legacy while forging her own path, earning two medals in Paris, including Olympic gold.