Olympic swimmer Kathleen Baker leaving Cal early to turn pro

Kathleen Baker, a two-time Olympic medalist who set a world record in the 100-meter backstroke last week, announced Thursday that she is forgoing her senior year at Cal to become a professional.

Baker, who plans to remain at Cal to get her degree, added that being able to better handle the effects of Crohn’s disease factored into her decision.

During her three years swimming for the Bears, Baker won three individual NCAA championships, contributed to two NCAA relay titles, and helped Cal to two runner-up and a third-place national finishes.

Last week at the national championships, Baker won the 100-meter back in a world-record 58.