2026 Women’s Leadership Winner

Gretchen Walsh

Gretchen Walsh is an Olympic champion and one of the most accomplished swimmers of her generation, holding 13 world records across long-course and short-course competition. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, she graduated from the University of Virginia in 2025 with a degree in Math and Finance, completing one of the most decorated collegiate careers in NCAA history. During her time at UVA, she captured 25 NCAA titles, posted an undefeated 16-for-16 record in NCAA relays, and contributed to the Cavaliers dominant five straight national championships. Her performance and leadership earned her the Honda Sport Award for Swimming & Diving, the Honda Cup as the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year, an ESPY nomination, multiple ACC Swimmer of the Year honors, two Mary Garber Awards, and the distinction of CSC Division I Academic All-America Team Member of the Year.

On the international stage, Gretchen has continued to set new standards. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she secured two gold medals on the women’s and mixed 4×100 medley relays as well as two silver medals, marking her as one of the breakout stars of the Games. She built on that success at the 2024 Short Course World Championships and again at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, where she won her first individual long-course world title. In 2025, she also broke the long-course 100m butterfly world record with a time of 54.60.

Renowned for her dominant speed in the pool, Gretchen continues to redefine what’s possible in the sport. However, her impact extends far beyond results—she remains a powerful example of dedication, leadership, and inspiration for athletes around the world.