AthleteWiki
Live
FOOTBALLXavi Xavi Embraces Netherlands Challenge With Immediate ContactFOOTBALLSilva Bernardo Silva Explains Why He Chose Real MadridFOOTBALLTorres Ferran Torres fires PSG to first Ligue 1 win with decisiveFOOTBALLHaaland Erling Haaland's Controversial Derby Winner PromptsFOOTBALL (Lawrence Trevor Lawrence's 4-TD Week 1 Performance Sparks JaguarsWRESTLINGMorgan Liv Morgan Loses Women's World Title to Stephanie VaquerFOOTBALLXavi Xavi Embraces Netherlands Challenge With Immediate ContactFOOTBALLSilva Bernardo Silva Explains Why He Chose Real MadridFOOTBALLTorres Ferran Torres fires PSG to first Ligue 1 win with decisiveFOOTBALLHaaland Erling Haaland's Controversial Derby Winner PromptsFOOTBALL (Lawrence Trevor Lawrence's 4-TD Week 1 Performance Sparks JaguarsWRESTLINGMorgan Liv Morgan Loses Women's World Title to Stephanie Vaquer

Gretchen Walsh to Face Off Against Kate Douglass in Historic 50m Free Showdown

2026-08-23 · Gretchen Walsh · Player Focus

Gretchen Walsh Breaks World Record in 50m Free

Gretchen Walsh has broken the world record in the 50m freestyle, clocking a time of 23.55 seconds. This achievement comes just nine days after Kate Douglass broke the record with a time of 23.59 seconds. The two athletes, who are training partners and former University of Virginia teammates, are now set to face off against each other in the 50m freestyle at the Toyota USA Swimming National Championships.

Toyota USA Swimming National Championships Preview

The Toyota USA Swimming National Championships are taking place from Tuesday to Saturday at the outdoor Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine, California. The event will feature Olympic gold medalists Caeleb Dressel, Kate Douglass, and Gretchen Walsh, as well as other top swimmers from the United States. The championships will be broadcast live on Peacock and NBCSN, with coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET each night.

Gretchen Walsh and Kate Douglass to Compete in 50m Free

Gretchen Walsh and Kate Douglass are set to compete against each other in the 50m freestyle at the Toyota USA Swimming National Championships. Both athletes have broken the world record in the event, with Walsh clocking a time of 23.55 seconds and Douglass recording a time of 23.59 seconds. The two athletes will face off against each other in the final of the 50m freestyle on Saturday.

Key Takeaways

  • Gretchen Walsh has broken the world record in the 50m freestyle with a time of 23.55 seconds.
  • Kate Douglass broke the world record in the 50m freestyle just nine days before Walsh.
  • The two athletes will face off against each other in the 50m freestyle at the Toyota USA Swimming National Championships.

Table: World Record Times in 50m Freestyle

AthleteTime
Gretchen Walsh23.55 seconds
Kate Douglass23.59 seconds

Gretchen Walsh and Kate Douglass's Historic Seasons

Gretchen Walsh and Kate Douglass are both having historic seasons, with both athletes breaking the world record in the 50m freestyle. Walsh's time of 23.55 seconds is the fastest in history, while Douglass's time of 23.59 seconds is just a fraction of a second behind. The two athletes are expected to compete against each other in the 50m freestyle at the Toyota USA Swimming National Championships.

Caeleb Dressel Returns to Competition

Caeleb Dressel, a nine-time Olympic gold medalist, is returning to competition after taking a break following the 2024 Paris Olympics. Dressel is entered in his four primary events at the Toyota USA Swimming National Championships, including the 50m and 100m butterflies and freestyles. Dressel aims to add to his 11 U.S. National Championship titles this weekend.

Toyota USA Swimming National Championships Schedule

The Toyota USA Swimming National Championships will take place from Tuesday to Saturday at the outdoor Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine, California. The event will be broadcast live on Peacock and NBCSN, with coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET each night.

More Gretchen Walsh news →