Alex Walsh, a silver medalist in the 2021 Olympics, was disqualified from the 200m individual medley at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This disqualification came after she initially finished third, behind Summer McIntosh of Canada and Kate Douglass of the United States. The reason for Walsh’s disqualification was an illegal underwater dolphin kick during the backstroke leg of the race. This infraction resulted in Kaylee McKeown of Australia being awarded the bronze medal.
The Illegal Turn That Cost Walsh a Medal
Swimming regulations dictate specific rules for turns and transitions between strokes in the individual medley. Walsh’s disqualification stemmed from a violation of these rules during her transition from backstroke to breaststroke. Specifically, she executed an illegal dolphin kick off the wall. Underwater dolphin kicks are permitted in the freestyle and butterfly portions of the medley but are restricted in backstroke and breaststroke.
Judges determined that Walsh’s kick violated these rules, leading to her disqualification. While the exact details of the infraction may vary, it likely involved either exceeding the allowed number of underwater kicks or initiating the kick before her body had fully turned to the breaststroke position.
Sister Gretchen Walsh’s Reaction and Dedication
Alex Walsh’s younger sister, Gretchen Walsh, expressed devastation upon learning of the disqualification. She was warming up for the mixed 4x100m medley relay when she received the news. Despite the shock, Gretchen used the disappointment as motivation, helping the U.S. team win gold and break the world record in the relay.
Gretchen dedicated her gold medal to Alex, acknowledging her hard work and expressing confidence in her future comeback. She described the moment she learned of the disqualification as being “stopped in the middle of the pool, so upset.” However, she quickly realized the need to move forward, support her sister, and compete in the relay in Alex’s honor.
Impact and Aftermath of the Disqualification
The disqualification had a significant impact on the medal standings, elevating McKeown to the podium. For Walsh, it was undoubtedly a heartbreaking outcome after years of training and preparation. However, the support from her sister and teammates, combined with her own resilience, will likely fuel her future endeavors in the sport.
The incident also highlights the strict enforcement of rules in Olympic swimming competitions. Even minor infractions can have significant consequences, underscoring the importance of precision and adherence to regulations at the highest level of competition.
