Gretchen Walsh's Dominance: A New Era in Women's Swimming
Get ready to be amazed! At the 2025 U.S. Open, held in Austin, Texas, from December 3rd to 6th, Gretchen Walsh didn't just win; she rewrote the record books! Her incredible performance in the 100 fly has everyone talking.
Here's what you need to know:
- Event: 2025 U.S. Open
- Location: Austin, Texas, at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center
- Dates: December 3-6, 2025
- Pool Type: LCM (50 meters)
Schedule:
- Prelims: 10 a.m. EST
- Finals: 7 p.m. EST (Day 1: 5 p.m. EST)
A Record-Breaking Swim
Walsh clocked an astonishing 55.60 in the 100 fly, shattering both the U.S. Open Meet record and the Texas Pool record. But here's where it gets controversial: This isn't just any record; it's a testament to Walsh's exceptional talent and the changing landscape of competitive swimming. She surpassed Torri Huske's previous Meet record of 56.21 from 2023 and Sarah Sjostrom's pool record of 56.38. This is a significant achievement, especially considering Sjostrom's record stood since 2016!
100 Fly Finals Results:
- Gretchen Walsh (NYAC) - 55.60 (CR - Championship Record)
- Regan Smith (TXLA) - 56.18
- Summer McIntosh (TXLA) - 57.01
- Alex Shackell (CSC-IN) - 58.22
- Marie Wattel (SUN) - 58.98
- Campbell Stoll (TEX) - 59.13
- Leah Shackley (NCS) - 59.57
- Isabella Boyd (SVA) - 59.76
Comparing the Splits
To truly appreciate Walsh's achievement, let's look at how she compares to the previous record holders:
| Split | Walsh | Huske (Old Record) | Sjostrom (Old Record) |
| :---: | :---: | :---------------: | :-----------------: |
| 50 | 25.52 | 25.81 | 26.51 |
| 100 | 30.08 | 30.40 | 29.87 |
| Final Time | 55.60 | 56.21 | 56.38 |
Walsh's blistering pace from the start clearly set her apart. She was faster than both Huske and Sjostrom at the 50-meter mark, giving her a significant advantage.
Walsh's Dominance in Context
Walsh's performance isn't just about one race; it's about a pattern of excellence. She now holds nine of the top 14 swims of all time in the women's LCM 100 fly, including the eight fastest. In 2024, she first broke the World Record at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a 55.18, surpassing Sjostrom's previous record. She then lowered her own record to 54.60 at the Pro Series in Fort Lauderdale in May 2025. She remains the only swimmer to have gone sub-55.
All-Time Top Performances, Women's LCM 100 Fly
- Gretchen Walsh, 54.60 — 2025 TYR Pro Swim Series
- Gretchen Walsh, 54.73 — 2025 World Champs
- Gretchen Walsh, 54.76 — 2025 Toyota National Championships
- Gretchen Walsh, 55.09 — 2025 TYR Pro Swim Series
- Gretchen Walsh, 55.18 — 2024 Olympic Trials
- Gretchen Walsh, 55.29 — 2025 Toyota National Championships
- Gretchen Walsh, 55.31 — 2024 Olympic Trials
- Gretchen Walsh, 55.38 — 2024 Olympic Games
- Sarah Sjöström, 55.48 — 2016 Olympic Games
- Torri Huske, 55.52 — 2024 Olympic Trials
- Sarah Sjöström, 55.53 — 2017 World Champs
- Maggie MacNeil, 55.59 — 2020 Olympic Games
- Torri Huske, 55.59 — 2024 Olympic Games
- Gretchen Walsh, 55.60 – 2025 US Open
- Regan Smith, 55.62 — 2024 Olympic Trials
The Bigger Picture
Walsh's performance is a testament to her dedication and the evolution of the sport. She's not just breaking records; she's setting a new standard. And this is the part most people miss: Her dominance is pushing the entire field to be better, faster, and more competitive. What does this mean for the future of women's swimming? Will we see more records fall soon? What do you think about Walsh's impact on the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
