Gretchen Walsh, a new addition to the American swimming history books, was feeling surreal and in disbelief, as she set a new world record in the 100m butterfly event at the US Olympic Swimming Trials underway in Indianapolis.
Walsh, a University of Virginia prodigy, had an incredible run in her collegiate swimming days, as she is the winner of six NCAA gold medals and a two-time world junior record holder in the mixed freestyle relay and mixed medley relay events. She replicated her university success at the Olympic trials as well.
On day 1 of the trials, she first set a new US Open and a national record with an impressive time of 55.84 in the 100m butterfly in the preliminary round. The 21-year-old then shattered Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom’s eight-year-old world record of 55.48, coming into the semifinals after touching the wall in 55.18 in the same category.
With her record-breaking display in the Lucas Oil Stadium, Walsh is poised to fix her spot in the US Team heading to the Paris Olympics 2024. Talking about her incredible success in the trials, Gretchen Walsh shed light on how she felt after breaking the world record. She said (via NBC Olympics & Paralympics):
“Like, over the moon. I’m so happy; it’s such a surreal experience. I don’t know when I’m going to be thinking I just did that. I’m trying to convince myself that just happened, so I’m just in awe.”
While talking about her Paris Olympics aspirations and what qualifications would mean to her, she added:
“I think that would just be the cheery on top of the first event of this meet. I mean, that would be all my goals combined in one, so I’m ready for tomorrow night.”
Katie Ledecky praises Gretchen Walsh following the record-breaking 100-meter fly heat
Gretchen Walsh is creating history at the Lucas Oil Stadium every time she steps in the pool for a heat. And she is also inching closer to making it to the Games, as she is just one final heat away from punching her ticket.
Her performance on day 1 of the trials was appreciated by swimming fans and swimming enthusiasts from all around the world. Seven-time Olympic champion Katie Ledecky was among those who applauded Walsh for giving a great head start.
Ledecky stated (via Olympics.com):
“I couldn’t ask for a better start with Gretchen’s world record and then a young kid from Indiana qualified for the Olympic team. So, it was a pretty cool start to the week. This morning was pretty loud for prelims.”
