In the world of competitive swimming, the journey to success is often marked by highs and lows, where support plays a crucial role. For world record-holding swimmer Gretchen Walsh, this journey has been profoundly influenced by her sister, Alex Walsh. Just before the US swimming trials at Lucas Oil Stadium, Gretchen expressed, “If there was only one person in the crowd, I would definitely want it to be Alex, always.”

From the heartbreak of failing to qualify in 2021 to the elation of competing in the 2024 swimming trials, Alex has been the unwavering rock upon which Gretchen has leaned. Their story is encapsulated by a touching moment that highlights the power of sisterly support in overcoming setbacks and achieving new heights in the sport.

Alex Walsh ecstatic about Gretchen Walsh’s triumph

Recently, Alex Walsh shared her sister Gretchen’s latest victory on her Instagram story. She captioned it, “YOU ARE AN OLYMPIAN!!!”, tagging Gretchen. In the next story, she reshared a video by Team USA and US Swimming captioning it, “A hug that was years in the making 🥺”. Alex was seen excitedly running towards her sister after Gretchen qualified for the Olympics with a fantastic performance in the US Swimming trials held in Indiana. This was swiftly followed by a hug from coach Todd DeSorbo for Gretchen. During the semifinals on June 15th, Gretchen broke the 100m butterfly world record, setting a new mark on the first day of trials itself.

Gretchen has now won the 100m fly event in the finals. This is her first Olympic team, making her parents and sister extremely proud. Alex Walsh herself is participating in 3 events during the meet. This is her 3rd Olympic trial. Alex Walsh herself is participating in three events during the meet, her third Olympic trial. Previously, she clinched the silver in the 200m IM at the Tokyo Olympics. Currently, she holds the 2nd rank in the 100m breaststroke event, the 4th rank in the 200m breaststroke, and the 2nd rank in the 200m IM event, trailing behind Kate Douglass. The two sisters share a close bond and serve as each other’s greatest supporters. “Being in the water was always like a core part of our childhood, especially in the summers,” Alex said, “One thing led to another and we ended up here.”

Though they were fiercely competitive in high school, the two can now approach their individual goals with a united front and like a “powerful duo.” Alex further explained how wonderful it is to have her sister alongside her on the Olympic journey, saying, “I don’t know how many people can say that they have a bond like that in their life.” As the two make their journey through the Olympic cycle, they definitely have each others’ backs. 

The unbreakable bond: Gretchen and Alex Walsh’s journey

The Walsh sisters have carved remarkable paths in the world of swimming, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Alex Walsh, the older of the pair, has clinched three gold medals at the World Championships in Hungary. Additionally, she earned an Olympic silver in the 200-meter IM at the 2020 Tokyo Games representing the USA. Sister Gretchen Walsh recently made her debut at the World Championships. Both had a highly productive year in Virginia, contributing to the Cavaliers’ third consecutive NCAA title win in March. Currently, Alex is focusing on the 400 IM and building strength for it. Part of her training involved adapting to the long-course pool used in international meets, although she had previously won an NCAA title in the 400 IM in short-course competition.

Moreover, after missing out on the Olympics last time, Gretchen has been showcasing her talent throughout the NCAA season. She secured two individual event titles, demonstrating her capabilities. Notably, she broke the world record previously held by Torri Huske with a time of 55.52 seconds. She then swiftly made the Olympic team. “I’m still in shock, I don’t even know what to say,” Walsh said after making her Paris dream a reality. Her recent performances have made her a favorite to secure a medal. With both sisters possibly competing in the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics, there is eager anticipation and speculation about their combined impact on the global stage.