Gretchen Walsh breaks world record in 100 fly at U.S. Olympic swimming trials

Gretchen Walsh made a splash at the U.S. Olympic trials by breaking the world record in the women’s 100-meter butterfly semifinals. Her time of 55.18 beat the previous record set by Sarah Sjöström in 2016. This marked the first world record set at U.S. trials since Michael Phelps in 2008. Walsh, a standout swimmer from the University of Virginia, is vying for a spot on the Olympic team.

Despite her world record performance, Walsh faces tough competition from Torri Huske and Regan Smith for the two spots on the Olympic team. Huske, who previously held the American record, nearly matched the world record pace during the first semifinal heat. Smith, a medalist at the 2021 Olympics, also put up a strong performance. The final race will determine who will represent the United States in the women’s 100 butterfly event at the Olympics.