Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Gretchen Walsh swam a 54.33 in the 100m butterfly at the Fort Lauderdale Open, setting a new world record at the International Swimming Hall of Fame facility. This performance continues her streak of lowering the world record after first breaking Sarah Sjostrom's 2016 mark of 55.48 seconds at the 2024 Olympic Trials. Walsh has since improved the record three more times, including her latest swim at this venue.
Walsh won her first individual World titles in 2025 in the 50m and 100m butterfly events, despite recovering from acute gastroenteritis, which causes severe stomach cramps. She expressed satisfaction with her high-level performance during that time.
Walsh has been recognized as a significant swimming talent since an early age. At 13, she competed in the 2016 Olympic Trials, and at 14, posted times competitive with elite college athletes. By 16, she captained the United States at the World Junior Swimming Championships, winning six gold medals and signaling her rise in the sport.
The term "swimflation" describes this era in swimming, where exceptionally fast times can occur at any point in the season. Walsh is regarded as a leading figure in this period, exemplifying the sport's rapid progression in performance standards.