Gretchen Walsh broke barriers in 3 different-sized pools throughout 2024, as well as the minds of millions of swim fans worldwide. She completely changed what we thought was possible in short-course swimming (yards and meters) and had a huge breakout season in long course, breaking her first LCM world record in the 100 fly, a record previously held by Sarah Sjostrom. This garnered Walsh the title of SwimSwam’s American Female Swimmer of the Year.
While recently filming at the University of Virginia, I spoke with Gretchen about the meteoric year she’s had in the pool. We sit on deck for 10+ minutes while she digests what she’s accomplished. You can tell Walsh has evolved as an athlete and human as she reflects with gratitude but also looks forward with ambition.
A truly incredible SC swimmer, but an incredibly underachieving LC swimmer slash choker at the Olympics…
Imagine having the year that Gretchen Walsh has had on top of being a relatable person who is always candid and authentic in interviews, and having an anonymous internet commenter say this about you…
LOVE IT GRETCHY!! break those barriers!
Love this!
imagine competing at the highest level in NCAA’s for your team and having the mindset that its just fun and pressure free. Incredible.