Gretchen Walsh fell 0.16sec shy of her World record to claim the U.S. national 100m butterfly title in the second sub-55sec swim ever, a 54.76, in Indianapolis this evening.

The 22-year-old, coached by Todd DeSorbo at the University of Virginia, set the global mark at a thumping 54.60 during the Fort Lauderdale round of Pro Swim early last month, the balance of there and back a learning curve old but on a pioneering new level:

• 25.32; 54.60 (29.28) May 3, 2025 WR
• 25.19; 54.76 (29.57) June 5, 2025

Walsh Whistles Past The 55 ’Fly Barrier At The Speed Of Spitz: 54.6 (After 55.09 In Heats)

“I have found that taking one less stroke has given me that extra energy ...I was long in my turn and my finish as well ... I can go faster. I look forward to perfecting that race. If it was perfect, I wouldn’t feel the confidence that I could go faster; I’m excited for more” - Gretchen Walsh

State Of Swimming +Craig Lord

Olympic champion Torri Huske followed Walsh home in 56.61, no others inside 57, Alex Shackell taking bronze in 57.71, teenager Caroline Crush just off the medals on 58.09.

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