The 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials saw an impressive performance by Gretchen Walsh, who broke the world record in the 100 butterfly after breaking 56 seconds for the first time in the morning. In the semi-finals of the women’s 100 butterfly, Walsh clocked in at 55.18, surpassing Sarah Sjostrom’s previous world record time of 55.48. This was a significant improvement from her prelims time of 55.94 and her previous best time of 56.18 from the San Antonio Pro Swim Series in April 2024.
Heading into the finals, Walsh now holds the title for the fastest 100 butterfly swimmer of all time. The top performers in the event include Walsh, Sjostrom, Maggie MacNeil, Zhang Yufei, and Torri Huske. Walsh’s impressive performance showed significant improvement both in her first and second 50s compared to her previous races.
With this record-breaking performance, Walsh has solidified herself as a top contender for the gold medal in the 100 butterfly at the upcoming Olympic Games. Her speed and consistency in the pool make her a strong favorite to take the top spot in the event. The 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials showcased Walsh’s incredible talent and potential as a world-class swimmer.