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Virginia senior Gretchen Walsh and alumna Kate Douglass secured silver medals in the 4×100 Relay on the first day of the Olympic swimming competition in Paris. Coached by Todd DeSorbo, the USA women’s swim team set an American Record with a time of 3:30.20, with Australia taking the gold. Walsh set an Olympic Record of 55.38 in the 100 Fly semifinals, owning the three fastest times in the event’s history. This was Walsh’s first Olympic medal, while Douglass won bronze in the 200 IM in Tokyo.

Douglass, who won the 100-yard Freestyle at the U.S. Trials, chose to drop it as an individual event in Paris, focusing on her role in the relay. Fellow Cavalier alum Paige Madden placed sixth in the 400 Free. The Olympic swimming events will continue until August 4, with the University of Virginia boasting a total of two medals in the competition.

The success of Walsh and Douglass in the relay showcases the talent and dedication of the Virginia swimming program, with both athletes delivering exceptional performances on the international stage. The team’s achievement in setting an American Record reflects the strength and skill of the USA women’s swim team, guided by the coaching expertise of DeSorbo. As the Olympics progress, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from the University of Virginia swimmers.

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