Gretchen Walsh

About Gretchen Walsh

Born on January 29, 2003, Gretchen Walsh stands as a formidable force in American swimming. Her impressive list of accomplishments includes holding the world record in the 100 meter butterfly. Beyond that individual feat, she also claims two world junior records in mixed gender relay races. Walsh's dominance extends to American records across a remarkable array of events: the 50 yard freestyle, 100 yard freestyle, 100 yard butterfly, 100 yard backstroke, and four different relay combinations: the 4×50 yard freestyle relay, 4×50 yard medley relay, 4×100 yard freestyle relay, and 4×100 yard medley relay. Her collegiate career is spent with the University of Virginia. As a freshman in 2022, she cemented her status by becoming the quickest female newcomer in NCAA history for the 50 yard freestyle, clocking in at 20.95 seconds. That same year, she secured the NCAA championship in the 100 yard freestyle with a time of 46.05 seconds, alongside a national title in the 100 meter butterfly. The following year, 2023, saw her capture the NCAA Division I title in the 100 yard backstroke, achieving a new American record of 48.26 seconds, and also triumphing in the 100 yard freestyle with a time of 45.61. In 2024, Walsh continued her championship run by winning NCAA titles in the 50 yard freestyle, 100 yard freestyle, and 100 yard butterfly, setting new NCAA records in all three with times of 20.37 seconds, 44.83 seconds, and 47.42 seconds, respectively. She is the younger sister of fellow swimmer Alexandra Walsh.