Gretchen Walsh Named ACC Swimmer of the Week

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – After her record-setting performance against No. 3 Florida, Virginia senior Gretchen Walsh was named the Swimmer of the Week in honors announced Tuesday (Oct. 22) by the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Walsh set the tone with the first swim of the meet, breaking the American record in the 50m backstroke with her leadoff leg of the 200m Medley Relay. Walsh posted a 25.37, bettering the previous mark of 25.54 set by her fellow Cavalier Claire Curzan at Short Course Worlds in 2022.

Walsh won the 100m Backstroke (54.89) and the 50m Free (23.10) in American record times to add to her tally.

Walsh’s world record came in a time trial for the 100m Individual Medley. Walsh posted a 55.98. The time broke the American record set that morning by UVA alumna Kate Douglass (56.99) at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Shanghai and the world mark of 56.51 set in 2017.

Walsh and the Cavaliers return to action on Friday, Nov. 1, competing in a dual at North Carolina.