Gretchen Walsh made history at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials by breaking the world record in the 100 butterfly with a time of 55.18 seconds in the semi-finals. This was a significant improvement from her prelims time of 55.94 and her previous best time of 56.18 from the San Antonio Pro Swim Series in April 2024, making her the fastest 100 butterfly swimmer of all time.
Walsh’s impressive performance was due to her significant improvement in both her first and second 50s compared to her previous races. The top performers in the event include Walsh, Sarah Sjostrom, Maggie MacNeil, Zhang Yufei, and Torri Huske. With this record-breaking performance, Walsh has solidified herself as a top contender for the gold medal in the 100 butterfly at the upcoming Olympic Games. Her speed and consistency in the pool make her a strong favorite to take the top spot in the event.
The 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials showcased Walsh’s incredible talent and potential as a world-class swimmer. Her journey to becoming one of the fastest swimmers in the world is an inspiration to many aspiring athletes out there, and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!
