Hold onto your swim caps, because Gretchen Walsh just made waves in the swimming world! She didn’t just win the 100-meter butterfly at the 2025 U.S. Open—she obliterated records in the process. But here's where it gets controversial: is Walsh’s dominance redefining the limits of women’s swimming, or is she simply benefiting from advancements in training and technology? Let’s dive into the details.
The 2025 U.S. Open, held from December 3-6 in Austin, Texas, at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, was the stage for Walsh’s latest triumph. The event, featuring long course meters (LCM), kicked off with preliminaries at 10 a.m. EST and finals at 7 p.m. EST (5 p.m. EST on Day 1). For those who couldn’t make it, live results, recaps, and psych sheets were readily available online, ensuring fans didn’t miss a stroke.
In the women’s 100-meter butterfly finals, Walsh clocked an astonishing 55.60 seconds, shattering both the U.S. Open Meet record (previously held by Torri Huske at 56.21 in 2023) and the Texas Pool record (set by Sarah Sjöström at 56.38). And this is the part most people miss: Walsh’s split times were faster than both Huske and Sjöström’s at the 50-meter mark, showcasing her explosive start and relentless pace.
Walsh’s performance wasn’t just a one-off feat. She now holds nine of the top 14 all-time fastest times in the women’s LCM 100-meter butterfly, including the eight quickest. Her journey to the top began in 2024 when she broke Sjöström’s long-standing world record at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a time of 55.18. She later lowered her own record to 54.60 at the 2025 TYR Pro Swim Series in Fort Lauderdale, solidifying her status as the only swimmer to go sub-55 seconds.
Here’s a closer look at the top 8 finishers at the 2025 U.S. Open:
1. Gretchen Walsh (NYAC) – 55.60 (CR)
2. Regan Smith (TXLA) – 56.18
3. Summer McIntosh (TXLA) – 57.01
4. Alex Shackell (CSC-IN) – 58.22
5. Marie Wattel (SUN) – 58.98
6. Campbell Stoll (TEX) – 59.13
7. Leah Shackley (NCS) – 59.57
8. Isabella Boyd (SVA) – 59.76
Controversial question: Is Walsh’s dominance a testament to her unparalleled talent, or does it reflect a broader shift in the sport? Some argue that advancements in training techniques, nutrition, and even swimwear are leveling the playing field, while others believe Walsh’s achievements are purely a result of her dedication and skill. What do you think?
As we look ahead, Walsh’s name is synonymous with excellence in the pool. With records falling left and right, the question isn’t if she’ll break another record, but when. Will she continue to dominate, or will a new challenger rise to the occasion? Only time—and the pool—will tell. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
