Gretchen Walsh pens down a heartfelt note after creating world record at the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100m fly

Gretchen Walsh gave an electrifying performance on Day 1 of the U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials on June 15 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. She set the world record in the 100m butterfly event and recently shared a heartfelt note, expressing her emotions about the remarkable feat.

Registering 55.18s in the semifinal heat of the 100m butterfly event, Walsh etched her name in the history books after smashing Sarah Sjoestroem's eight-year-old record of 55.48s. She cruised to victory and bested Torri Huske, who touched the finish line at 56.26s. Regan Smith claimed the third position after recording a time of 57.07s.

Gretchen Walsh expressed her feelings about this win through a post on her Instagram handle, where she shared a series of pictures from the event and wrote:

"I still cannot find the words to describe all of the emotions of last night. World Record!?!? I may have been shocked, but I am so grateful to my entire support system of family, coaches, and friends who all knew I could. Thank you for believing in me. Ready to go for one last 100 fly in Indy tonight."

Gretchen Walsh opens up about what Paris Olympics 2024 qualification means to her

2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Swimming - Day 2

After setting a new world record at the U.S. Olympic Trials in the Lucas Oil Stadium, Gretchen Walsh spoke about the importance of Paris Olympics qualifications for her in the post-swim interview.

"I think that would just be the cherry on top of the first event of this meet," said Walsh (via NBA Olympics & Paralympics' X handle). "I mean, that would be all my goals combined in one, so I'm ready for tomorrow night."

Seven-time Olympian, Katie Ledecky, lauded Walsh for her impressive world record win on Day 1 of the trials. As per Olympics.com, Ledecky said:

"I couldn't ask for a better start with Gretchen's world record, and then a young kid from Indiana qualified for the Olympic team. So, it was a pretty cool start to the week. This morning was pretty loud for prelims."

Gretchen Walsh just has to compete in one last 100m butterfly final at the U.S. Olympic trials to secure her spot at the Paris Olympics 2024.