Olympic gold medalist Alex Walsh’s NCAA swimming stint started with the University of Virginia when the institute program wasn’t very successful. Soon after that, the 2021 NCAA season witnessed performances from the program at several events. One name had remained common in all those moments: Alexandra ‘Alex’ Walsh. She had been setting records and winning hearts in the UVA curriculum, no matter what program she was dealing with.
The UVA made a notable addition this time when the Olympic swimming veteran transitioned to a higher position from her senior role. The heartfelt gesture has come to light on Instagram.
Varsity stint shines brighter than Olympic swimming journey
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At UVA, Alex Walsh helped the program claim its first team championship in the 2020-21 season. Later, the 22-year-old swimmer appeared in the Tokyo Olympics, winning the 200m IM silver. But her achievements in the orange jersey have not eclipsed her wins on or off the swimming courts.
So the Instagram handle of Virginia Swimming and Diving hasn’t let go of the chance when the medley queen is already on the brink of finishing her four-year program with UVA. On January 17, the IG handle listed Alex’s achievements for the UVA in the past three years. It added, “Alex hails from Nashville, T.N. & will graduate with a degree in Computer Science this spring!” The engagement surpasses everything here, as the former NCAA champion opted to finish her education degree despite the Olympic razzmatazz.
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Before joining the UVA, Alex Walsh had initiated her successful swim run from her high school, Harpeth Hall School. However, the UVA brought technical changes to the FINA World Champion’s underwater movement. That had paid nicely in gaining an edge over a phenom named Kate Douglass in the 2020 Summer Olympics. In addition, almost the same situation occurred in the 2022 FINA Swimming World Championship. That time, Kaylee McKeown was the opponent. However, Alex Walsh never made a meek appearance while acknowledging UVA’s role in her success.
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The lore UVA creates
With Kate Douglass, Alex Walsh made a notable IM pair that gave the program a truckload of successes. However, among those successful run-ins, Alex holds the NCAA ones closer to her heart. The senior Walsh said in one of her admittances, “It was really satisfying. The team effort and feeling like you’re a part of something bigger than just yourself just feels different.” Additionally, Gretchen Walsh, her sister, became involved in the swimming program and achieved success last season, which only added to this overwhelming feeling.
Read more: The Story of Olympic Champion Katie Ledecky at TYR Pro Series
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As Alex Walsh’s fourth year at UVA nears its end in an Olympic year, she aspires to create a meaningful goodbye.
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