All The Babes
Career
Active 2009 – present
Biography
About Gretchen Walsh
Gretchen Walsh is a competitive American swimmer who holds the world record in the 100 meter butterfly. Born on January 29, 2003, in Nashville, Tennessee, she has been active in the sport since 2009, making her a seasoned athlete at just 23 years old. Standing 6'1" tall, she uses her height to her advantage in the pool. Beyond her world record, she holds two world junior records in mixed gender relay events and multiple American records in short course yards, including the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 100 butterfly, and 100 backstroke.
Walsh competes collegiately for the University of Virginia, where she has built an impressive NCAA career. In 2022, she became the fastest female freshman to swim the 50 yard freestyle in the NCAA with a time of 20.95 seconds, and she earned the NCAA title in the 100 yard freestyle and the national title in the 100 meter butterfly. The following year, she won NCAA Division I titles in the 100 yard backstroke and 100 yard freestyle, setting an American record in the backstroke. In 2024, she swept the 50, 100 freestyle, and 100 butterfly NCAA titles, setting NCAA records in each event. Her times of 20.37, 44.83, and 47.42 seconds mark her as one of the fastest sprinters in the sport.
Off the blocks, Gretchen is the younger sister of fellow swimmer Alexandra Walsh. She has a substantial following of 147,000 on Instagram, where she gives fans a look into her athletic journey. Her combination of speed, technique, and competitive drive continues to set her apart in American swimming.
Record
Profile details
Personal
- Years Active
- 2009-present (17 years active)
- Birthplace
- Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Ethnicity
- Caucasian
Extra
- Instagram Followers
- 147k (as of April 2026)
Frequently asked
What is Gretchen Walsh's most notable achievement?
She holds the world record in the 100 meter butterfly, a distinction she achieved while competing for the University of Virginia.
How has Gretchen Walsh performed at the NCAA level?
She has won multiple NCAA titles, including the 50, 100 freestyle, and 100 butterfly in 2024, setting NCAA records in all three events.
Is Gretchen Walsh related to another swimmer?
Yes, she is the younger sister of swimmer Alexandra Walsh.
Did you know
- Gretchen Walsh has been active in competitive swimming since 2009, giving her over 15 years of experience.
- As a freshman in 2022, she became the fastest female freshman to swim the 50 yard freestyle in the NCAA.
- She holds American records in both individual and relay events across short course yards.
More American Sportswoman: Swimmer profiles
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