What is the Ceiling for UVA’s Gretchen Walsh at NCAA Championships?

SwimSwam has been reporting on Gretchen Walsh since she was 12 years old.

Gretchen, one-half of the powerhouse sister duo at UVA, has the nitro, the speed. Alex Walsh has the IM range (and Olympic hardware).

Gretchen’s a little disappointed from her U.S. Olympic Trials performance, but that old news, far in the past, especially since she dropped that 200 medley relay lead-off, that 23.04 50 yard backstroke, an unofficial American Record.

I’m bullish on Gretchen.  Are you? Let’s play the NCAA PREDICTION GAME.

Gretchen’s top-three in all three of her events at NCAAs. I’m assuming those events will be the 50 free, 100 back and 100 free. Gretchen’s not getting past Maggie MacNeil or her teammate Kate Douglass in the 50 or 100 free, but after her blazing 23.04 50 back, Gretchen wins 100 back at NCAAs.

But who cares what I think? What do you think? Drop your opinion in the comments.

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Opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the interviewed guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the hosts, SwimSwam Partners, LLC and/or SwimSwam advertising partners.

This is a Gold Medal Media production presented by SwimOutlet.com. Host Gold Medal Mel Stewart is a 3-time Olympic medalist and the co-founder of SwimSwam.com, a Swimming News website.

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chris
2 years ago

“expected to make the team?” I’d be disappointed in her position to not make finals and that’s understandable but when has she been top 2 in the nation in the 100free?

chris
2 years ago

gretchen beating regan smith or bacon? Come on! All respect to Walsh but i don’t know if she has that ability just yet.

Ervin
2 years ago

Off topic but does SwimSwam have any update on Harvard transfer Jaycee Yegher? She’s using her 5th year of eligibility at UVA, but has yet to record a swim from what I can tell. Her best times seem likely to qualify for NCAA’S

Nonrevhoofan
Reply to  Ervin
2 years ago

She redshirted for injury, and expects to compete next year. Her Masters program is going very well.

IRO
2 years ago

It is really insane how quickly so many women have entered into the 49-second 100 back conversation. Felt like that Coughlin record held forever!

ALEXANDER POP-OFF
Reply to  IRO
2 years ago

It did. Coughlin’s yards greatness cannot be overstated.

Taa
2 years ago

23.4/25.5 is a 48.90 I’m here for it. Freestyle she is going to be a workhouse if you include relays her best swims may be rolling starts. I’d go with 21.16/46,72, I don’t think we should worry about her placing if she swims fast she will be in the mix in everything.

wow
2 years ago

W50 FR – 21.37
W100 BK – 49.47
W100 FR – 46.78

Team Regan
2 years ago

I think the makes worlds in the 50 back (27.19). Hot take, but I think she does. Her 50/100, I think there’s a chance, maybe 24.41/53.85.

Snarkier
Reply to  Team Regan
2 years ago

Except there’s no worlds this summer.

Admin
Reply to  Snarkier
2 years ago

I know it’s a lot to keep up with, but…yes there is.

Snarkier
Reply to  Braden Keith
2 years ago

Day late and a dollar fifty short!

Swimfan
2 years ago

She gonna be fast at world champ trials. Would love to see her low 58 in the 100 back

About Gold Medal Mel Stewart

Gold Medal Mel Stewart

MEL STEWART Jr., aka Gold Medal Mel, won three Olympic medals at the 1992 Olympic Games. Mel's best event was the 200 butterfly. He is a former World, American, and NCAA Record holder in the 200 butterfly. As a writer/producer and sports columnist, Mel has contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, …

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