Gretchen and Alex Walsh have become synonymous with collegiate swimming dominance, amassing an astounding 37 NCAA titles between them while representing the University of Virginia. Their prowess isn’t confined to the college pool; they are also celebrated members of the U.S. National Team, boasting seven world titles and an Olympic silver medal from Tokyo 2020. This article dives into the remarkable journey of these sensational sisters, Alex and Gretchen Walsh, exploring their path to swimming stardom.
Often asked, Are Gretchen And Alex Walsh Twins? The answer is no, they are sisters, not twins. While they share an undeniable bond and a remarkable synergy in the pool, Gretchen is the younger sister to Alex. Despite not being twins, their parallel rise in the swimming world has led many to wonder about their close relationship and shared journey.
From their early days practicing in the University of Virginia Swimming Pool under the guidance of Coach Todd DeSorbo, Alex and Gretchen have always been driven by Olympic dreams. The pool wasn’t just a training ground; it was the epicenter of their dedication, where every stroke was a step closer to their ambitious goals. Coach DeSorbo played a pivotal role in shaping them into elite athletes capable of competing on the world’s grandest stages.
However, their journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. The intense media scrutiny and the weight of expectations added considerable pressure. But how did it all begin for these sisters, both towering over six feet, and what sparked their initial passion for swimming?
Gretchen and Alex Walsh posing together
Swimming is indeed a family affair for the Walsh sisters. Their mother was a competitive swimmer and captained the Boston College women’s swim team, instilling a love for the sport from a young age. The family’s move to Old Greenwich, Connecticut, marked the beginning of their organized swimming careers with the YWCA Dolphins. They later progressed to the Chelsea Piers Aquatic Club in Stamford, Connecticut, and spent summers swimming for the Rocky Point Club.
Alex’s exceptional talent became evident early on. At just 12, she shattered three national age group records in the 100-yard individual medley, 100-yard backstroke, and 200-yard breaststroke at the Connecticut Age Group Championships. Remarkably, her 200-yard breaststroke time also set a new pool record at a local university, a feat that hinted at the emergence of a swimming prodigy. Imagine a 12-year-old setting a university pool record – a testament to her extraordinary potential.
Meanwhile, Gretchen was making waves of her own. She became the youngest swimmer to qualify for the 2016 US Olympic Trials at the tender age of 13. Not only was she the youngest qualifier, but she was also the youngest competitor, showcasing her exceptional talent and early entry into the elite levels of swimming.
Gretchen Walsh in action
In 2014, the Walsh family relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, and the sisters joined the Nashville Aquatic Club. At 13, Alex continued her impressive trajectory by qualifying for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke events. That same year, she broke one of Missy Franklin’s national age group records, further cementing her status as a rising star.
Throughout their high school years, both sisters consistently achieved international success, securing titles, breaking records, and establishing themselves as formidable forces in the swimming world.
Unsurprisingly, these swimming superstars were highly sought after by top universities across the United States. Their decision to join the University of Virginia, under the guidance of Coach Todd DeSorbo, proved to be a perfect match. Since becoming head coach in 2017, DeSorbo has led Virginia to four consecutive NCAA Championships. His expertise will also be on display at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where he will serve as the head coach for the U.S. women’s team.
Alex and Gretchen Walsh with Coach Todd DeSorbo
At the University of Virginia, the pool became their second home. Each lap in college swimming pushed them to become stronger and more focused. Their training was not just about physical endurance; it was about honing their mental fortitude to handle the pressures of NCAA championships and the looming US Olympic Trials.
The media attention intensified their experience, adding a new dimension of pressure. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about personal bests; it was also about meeting the expectations of the swimming community and their growing fanbase. The mental strain must have been immense.
The landscape of collegiate athletics changed in 2021 when the Supreme Court’s ruling allowed college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The Walsh sisters were quick to embrace these new opportunities.
Leveraging their growing popularity, they became pioneers as the first collegiate athletes to collaborate with a nationally recognized brand to create a co-branded swimsuit collection.
Gretchen and Alex Walsh swimsuit collection
Their personal collections, launched in partnership with the brand, were an instant hit, flying off online shelves and into the swim bags of enthusiasts nationwide. The designs were vibrant, colorful, and reflected their distinct personalities.
“We have very different personalities, so it was special to be able to have our own suits and then also suits that we worked on together. I think that is very really representative of our relationship and our dynamic,” they shared in a Sports Illustrated interview.
Alex’s debut collection, “Nashville,” paid homage to their birthplace and high school years. Gretchen’s first collection, “Barcelona,” drew inspiration from the city where they competed in their first international meet.
Despite these extracurricular ventures, Alex and Gretchen remained deeply committed to their swimming careers. Their pool performances continued to astound. Just when it seemed they couldn’t swim any faster, they would break another barrier.
Gretchen and Alex Walsh celebrating
The 2024 season saw Gretchen shatter NCAA records in four freestyle and backstroke events: the 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, 100 Backstroke, and 100 Butterfly. Her relay split of 19.95 in the 50 freestyle made her the first woman to ever break the 20-second mark, a truly historic achievement.
Her record-breaking times left commentators speechless. At the NCAA Championships, Gretchen secured seven titles, while Alex claimed six, showcasing their unparalleled dominance in collegiate swimming.
Their achievements place them in the company of swimming legends like Ryan Lochte, Caeleb Dressel, Kate Douglass, and Léon Marchand, all of whom have won three individual NCAA titles with record times in a single Championship. This pattern of collegiate success often foreshadows international triumphs.
Underwater swimming technique
In a 25-yard pool, underwater technique becomes a significant factor. Swimmers can spend up to 65% of a race underwater, compared to about 30% in an Olympic-size pool. The 15-meter rule, requiring swimmers to surface within 15 meters after each wall in both pool types, emphasizes the importance of underwater efficiency.
The Walsh sisters have transformed underwater swimming into an art form. Their races are a masterclass in underwater work, speed, and technical expertise in the water.
Even for the most accomplished athletes, competition presents unexpected hurdles. False starts, goggles filling with water, misjudged turns, and failing to qualify for international teams are all part of the journey. These moments serve as crucial tests of adaptability, mental resilience, and unwavering persistence. These qualities are vital not just in sports, but in all aspects of life, encouraging us to pursue our goals relentlessly and overcome challenges with grace.
The rigorous training regimen underscores the sisters’ dedication to their sport and foreshadows the monumental challenges they must conquer to realize their Olympic aspirations.
The Olympic journey is an immense undertaking, and for Alex and Gretchen, their unwavering commitment sets the stage for the significant hurdles they are eager to clear in their pursuit of Olympic glory.
Every lap in the pool represents more than just speed; it embodies their steadfast dedication and the powerful bond they share as sisters. Their story, from age-group swimmers to elite athletes with demanding training schedules, highlights that high-level competition demands not only physical prowess but also an unbreakable mindset amidst pressure and high expectations.
The Walsh sisters smiling
Their story is still unfolding, carrying a powerful message: achieving greatness is rarely a solitary endeavor. The deep connection between the sisters, their teamwork, and the quiet support from family and friends underscore a universal truth: while goals are personal, their attainment is often a collective effort, interwoven with the hopes and support of those around us.
For anyone chasing a dream, whether in swimming or any other field, Alex and Gretchen’s story is more than just a glimpse into competitive swimming. It’s a beacon, reminding us that as we strive for our own versions of excellence, whether at Olympic trials or in everyday life, adaptability, perseverance, and community are the forces that truly propel us to the finish line.
The future is bright for the Walsh sisters, and the swimming world eagerly anticipates the next chapters of their inspiring story. We wish them the best this season and beyond!
