Unraveling the Magic: The Brilliance of Gretchen Walsh’s Budapest Performance

Since the outset of the 2024 swimming season, Gretchen Walsh has been making headlines. In the yard pool, fully utilizing her agility and employing her underwater dolphin kickouts at the 2024 NCAA championships, she secured seven titles while establishing records in four different events. Shortly thereafter, the US Olympic trials took place. Walsh, who did not qualify for the 2021 Olympics and 2022 World Championships, conquered her fear stemming from previous long-course races. Modifying her technique, she incorporated the additional length and strength required for her strokes.

Demonstrating to everyone that she is more than merely “a bathtub swimmer,” Walsh secured a spot on Team U.S.A. in Paris, qualifying for the 50 free, 100 fly (setting a new LCM world record of 55.18), and 4×100 relay at the trials. At her first Olympics, the 21-year-old swimmer’s “dream” materialized, earning her an Olympic medal “for America.” As has become common, Walsh sustained her record-breaking ways, achieving two of her Olympic golds with new records (mixed 4×100 medley relay (3:37.43), 4×100 medley relay (3:49.63), along with two silver medals in individual events, the 100 fly (55.38, Olympic record) and 4×100 free relay, respectively.

Following Paris, the winning streak continued. Walsh persisted in breaking records in yard pools during collegiate competitions, yet her finest performance was still ahead. Her exceptional swimming skills were on display at the 2024 Short-Course Championships in Budapest. Notably, months before the event, in a solo 25-meter race dual meet against Florida, Walsh shattered three American records and set a new world record in the 100 IM, giving fans a glimpse of what was to come in Budapest. However, the swimmer surpassed all expectations, solidifying her status as one of the most successful short-course swimmers at the championships.

ForbesMajor Records That Fell At The 2024 Short-Course ChampionshipsBy Paras J. Haji

She achieved the highest number of victories at the 2024 Short-Course Championships. With 11 records and seven gold medals, the senior from Virginia University made history by setting the most records by one swimmer in a single event. The previous record was held by two of the most accomplished athletes in the swimming world: Michael Phelps’ Olympic campaign in 2008, where he won 8 gold medals along with 7 record-breaking victories, and Mark Spitz’s groundbreaking seven gold medals, each breaking records at the 1972 Olympics.

Except for the 100-meter freestyle gold, every win of Walsh’s resulted in either one or multiple records. Her final results in Budapest included:

50-meter freestyle: gold (two world records)

100m freestyle: gold (second-, third-fastest times in history)

50-meter butterfly: gold (two world records)

100-meter butterfly: gold (three world records)

100-meter individual medley: gold (two world records)

4×100-meter freestyle relay: gold (one world record)

4×100-meter medley relay: gold (one world record)

Although Walsh had a triumphant breakthrough in the long-course pool in Paris, the 21-year-old’s short-course performances remain unparalleled. In the short-course, which consists of 60% underwater, Walsh, whose primary strength is speed, maximized the advantages of rapid turns and made history. Walsh, who led the Virginia Cavaliers to their fourth consecutive national title in the spring, has been an outstanding NCAA swimmer. Since the short-course is only slightly longer than the 25-yard pool, she successfully maintained her momentum.

ForbesNew American And NCAA Record Set By Gretchen Walsh; What To Expect In BudapestBy Paras J. Haji

What Is Gretchen Walsh’s Earnings?

Interestingly, alongside these victories came a substantial financial reward. According to World Aquatics, each individual or relay record results in an earning of $25,000. Additionally, swimmers also receive a $10,000 bonus for achieving a double crown, meaning winning an event throughout all stages of the World Cup and World Championships.

Through Walsh’s nine individual records at the Short-Course Championships, she amassed an impressive total of $225,000. Furthermore, her two relay record victories secured her $6,250 from each (the amount is divided among relay team members). According to the World Aquatics, Walsh ranks as the fourth “highest-earning swimmer of 2024, based solely on prize money and performance bonuses at World Aquatics events,” accumulating a total of $275,000.00.

Thanks to Walsh, along with Regan Smith, Kate Douglass, and Luke Hobson’s record-shattering performances, with a total of 18 gold, 13 silver, and 8 bronze medals, Team U.S. also secured the best team award.

Overall, the 2024 season has been remarkable for Walsh. From overcoming the anxiety of not achieving a victory in a long-course pool to making history in Paris and Budapest, she has consistently performed well until the year’s conclusion. Certainly, the 25-meter wins differ from attaining podium finishes in 50-meter competitions. Nevertheless, is Walsh presently the greatest swimmer in short-course? Undoubtedly.

The pressing question remains whether the swimmer can maintain her momentum at the 2025 World Championships. With competition from teammate Torri Huske and Swedish icon Sarah Sjostrom, fans will eagerly anticipate whether Gretchen Walsh can once again demonstrate her skill in the 50-meter pools following her breakthrough in Paris.