After Kate Douglass‘ stunning world record performance in the women’s 50 freestyle on June 19 in Indianapolis, it took just over a week for the mark to fall once again.
Gretchen Walsh fired off a time of 23.55 at the Sette Colli Trophy in Rome on June 28, breaking her training partner’s nine-day-old world record in epic fashion.
Walsh took hold of the record while racing alongside legendary sprinter Sarah Sjostrom, who held the world record for nine years before Douglass broke it in Indianapolis.
Walsh’s swim marked her second consecutive sizeable drop in the event, having set a best time of 23.78 racing head-to-head with Douglass just over a week earlier in Indianapolis. Prior to that, Walsh and Douglass were co-owners of the American Record with lifetime bests of 23.91.
In the Sette Colli final, not only did Walsh break the world record, but Sjostrom wasn’t too far behind, clocking 23.86 for her first sub-24 swim since giving birth last year.
Placing 3rd was another training partner of Walsh and Douglass, Sara Curtis, who set a new Italian Record of 24.09.
RACE VIDEO
Courtesy of Quinn Burke on YouTube
For Sjostrom, she initially broke the world record at the 2017 World Championships, clocking 23.67 to break Britta Steffen‘s super-suited mark of 23.73 from 2009.
Sjostrom then lowered the record to 23.61 at the 2023 World Championships.
All-Time Performers, Women’s 50 Freestyle (LCM)
- Gretchen Walsh (USA), 23.55 – 2026 Sette Colli Trophy
- Kate Douglass (USA), 23.59 – 2026 Pro Swim Series – Indianapolis
- Sarah Sjostrom (SWE), 23.61 – 2017 World Championships
- Britta Steffen (GER), 23.73 – 2009 World Championships
- Pernille Blume (DEN), 23.75 – 2018 European Championships
Although we won’t get the opportunity to see Walsh, Douglass and Sjostrom race head-to-head at a long course championship meet this summer, with Walsh and Douglass headed to Pan Pacs and Sjostrom to to the European Championships, the three could very likely meet in one year’s time at the 2027 World Championships.
ABOUT FLUIDRA
At Fluidra, our mission is to create the perfect pool experience for all aquatic enthusiasts, from recreational swimmers to competitive athletes. We believe the perfect race starts with the perfect pool, which is why we provide superior, high-performance equipment and accessories. Whether for racing or relaxation, our leading brands — including S.R. Smith, Jandy, and Polaris and more — ensure an optimal aquatic environment, enhancing every swim experience.
SOCIAL
LINKEDIN: @Fluidra North America
FACEBOOK: @Fluidra North America
YOUTUBE: @FluidraNorthAmerica
INSTAGRAM @jandypool
FACEBOOK: @srsmithpools
INSTAGRAM: @srsmithpools
YOUTUBE: @srsmith
Fluidra is a SwimSwam Partner.
