Gretchen Walsh Confirmed for World Cup Series; American Star’s Presence Adds to Stacked Field
With the start of the World Cup on the horizon, World Aquatics has announced that American superstar Gretchen Walsh will be part of the three-meet circuit in North America. The governing body made the announcement on social media earlier this week, noting that Walsh is confirmed to race at all three stops – Carmel, Indiana (Oct. 10-12), Westmont, Illinois (Oct. 17-19) and Toronton (Oct. 23-25).
Walsh was not a member of the “Notable Nine” announcement when World Aquatics revealed some of the athletes who will compete in the World Cup tour. Yet, given her short-course dominance, Walsh was expected to be part of the action, and that confirmation has now been provided. Walsh is one of the greatest short-course performers in history and figures to attack several world records during the World Cup meets.
The University of Virginia product is already the short-course world-record holder in the 50 freestyle, 50 butterfly, 100 butterfly and 100 individual medley. During the World Cup, Walsh could make a run at the world record in the 100 freestyle, which has been held by Australian Cate Campbell at 50.25 since 2017. If Walsh makes a push at the world record in the 100 freestyle, she’s also likely to threaten the 50-second barrier in the event.
At last year’s World Short Course Championships in Budapest, Walsh claimed seven gold medals, including solo crowns in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 50 butterfly, 100 butterfly and 100 individual medley.
In women’s action, Walsh will be joined by fellow stars Summer McIntosh, Kaylee McKeown, Kate Douglass, Regan Smith and Mollie O’Callaghan.
