Gretchen Walsh won the women’s individual medley with a new world cup record time of 55.91.
The 22-year-old swimmer maintained a strong lead from the start.
What happened?
Gretchen Walsh posted the second fastest final 50 split ever and the third fastest time in the event's history.
She lowered her own U.S. open record of 55.98, set at an NCAA dual meet last year.
Gretchen Walsh was followed by her teammate Kate Douglass in 56.34.
Why it matters for Gretchen Walsh
This performance comes after Gretchen Walsh made history at her debut SC World Championships last year by breaking nine world records.
She claimed the gold in the individual medley with a new world record in 55.11.
Gretchen Walsh's impressive time helped her register the top five times in the event.
What comes next?
Gretchen Walsh will aim to break more records at the next stops of the World Cup.
She will face strong competition from Canadian prodigy Summer McIntosh, who holds the world record.
Gretchen Walsh's teammate Kate Douglass also claimed the gold in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:13.97.
The first day of the World Cup drew a fair amount of success for Douglass.
Gretchen Walsh's performance is a promising start to the World Cup.
The 2025 Swimming World Cup opened with U.S. swimmers showcasing a strong start.
Regan Smith claimed the 200-meter butterfly final gold and set new records.
Gretchen Walsh's record time of 55.91 surpassed Katinka Hosszu’s time of 56.51 set at the 2017 World Cup.
Gretchen Walsh's win is a significant achievement in her debut swimming World Cup event as a professional swimmer.