Harpeth Hall graduate Gretchen Walsh nearly broke her own record on the way to giving the United States its first gold in the World Championships.
Nashville's Gretchen Walsh came close to breaking her own world record on the way to winning her first individual long course title in the 100-meter butterfly at the World Swimming Championships on July 28.
With her record set on May 3 at 54.60, the Harpeth Hall graduate posted a time of 54.73 seconds at the World Swimming Championships when she defeated Belgian Roos Vanotterdijk and Australian Alexandria Perkins in the Singapore meet at World Aquatics Championships Arena.
Walsh has the top eight times in history in the 100 butterfly, her best event.
“That swim took a lot of guts, but really so happy with the result,” Walsh told Peacock. “I was aiming for a 55, so to go 54 was really a surprise and something I’m really proud of.”
Walsh had to overcome a stomach bug on July 27 to win her first individual long course title.
Walsh qualified for four individual events for the worlds. She turns her focus now to the 50 butterfly along with the 100 freestyle.
Walsh win two gold medals and two silver medals at the Olympic Games in Paris last year.
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Gretchen Walsh wins gold at World Championships in 100 butterfly
Category: General Sports
