Gretchen Walsh won the 100 fly gold at the World Aquatics Championships on Monday. She finished in 54.73, claiming her first-ever individual gold at the 2025 Worlds.
What happened?
Gretchen Walsh secured the first gold medal for Team U.S. in the 100 fly, finishing in 54.73. This performance registered as the second-fastest in history.
She took down Sarah Sjöström’s championship record from 2017. Walsh was seconds behind her world record time set in May.
Why it matters for Gretchen Walsh
Gretchen Walsh has consistently excelled in yard and short-course pools, with multiple records and titles to her name. Since last year, she has established herself as more than just a “bathtub swimmer.”
She qualified for her debut Olympics by breaking the 2016 world record in the 100 fly and claiming two gold medals in Paris. Walsh showcased great performances in long-course pools.
What comes next?
With Olympian Sarah Sjöström skipping the season, Gretchen Walsh will now look forward to winning the other three events she qualified for: 50 fly, 50 free, and 100 free.
On Monday, Gretchen Walsh opened up about her experience winning the race despite battling “acute gastroenteritis,” which the team picked up at the training camp. “It was not easy, and I’m just really proud of myself,” she said.
Gretchen Walsh is one of the most consistent swimmers produced by Team U.S. She has multiple records and titles to her name, and her recent performance has solidified her position as a top swimmer.
The 22-year-old claimed her first-ever individual gold at the 2025 Worlds. Her time of 54.73 was seconds behind her world record time set in May.
Gretchen Walsh will compete in the 50 fly, 50 free, and 100 free events. She aims to win these events and establish herself as a leading swimmer in the world.
Summer McIntosh also won the 200 IM in 2:06.69, taking a comfortable lead from the start. She touched the wall two seconds ahead of Alex Walsh, who finished in 2:08.58.
The World Aquatics Championships will continue with more events. Gretchen Walsh and other top swimmers will compete for medals and world records.
Gretchen Walsh's win in the 100 fly has set her up for success in the remaining events. She will look to continue her winning streak and claim more medals for Team U.S.