The Spectacular Legacy of Sarah Sjostrom in the 50 Butterfly
On Friday night, Gretchen Walsh walked through a door in the sport that had previously been accessed by just one person. Behind a time of 24.93 at the TYR Pro Series in Fort Lauderdale, Walsh broke her own American record in the 50-meter butterfly, lowering her 2023 standard by .18. The performance also enabled Walsh to join Swedish superstar Sarah Sjostrom in exclusive territory.
Before Walsh delivered her American standard, Sjostrom was the lone member of the sub-25 club. During her career, Sjostrom has clocked sub-25 in the 50 fly on 23 occasions, including the world record of 24.43. More, Sjostrom delivered her first 24-point effort in 2014, marking 11 years of sole membership.
With Walsh joining Sjostrom, it’s an appropriate time to celebrate just how dominant the Swede has been in the butterfly sprint. Her world record remains a half-second faster than the No. 2 performer in history, and she owns the 14-fastest swims of all-time. More, 27 of the fastest 28 times in history belong to Sjostrom.
Sjostrom has won the past six world championships in the 50 butterfly, but that streak will come to an end this summer. The 31-year-old is taking the year off from competition as she prepares for motherhood. In Sjostrom’s absence, Walsh is the undisputed favorite for the 50 fly crown at the upcoming World Championships in Singapore.
Walsh gracefully acknowledged the Swedish star after setting her American record.
“I love following in the footsteps of Sarah Sjostrom,” Walsh said. “She’s such an idol to me, and it’s cool to be in the same sentence as her. She’s an incredible person to race and follow in her footsteps.”
Sarah Sjostrom’s Sub-25 Performances in the 50 Butterfly
24.43 (2014)
24.60 (2017)
24.63 (2024)
24.69 (2015)
24.73 (2024)
24.74 (2023)
24.76 (2017)
24.77 (2023)
24.79 (2019)
24.87 (2014)
24.88 (2024)
24.89 (2023)
24.90 (2017)
24.92 (2024)
24.95 (2024)
24.95 (2022)
24.95 (2017)
24.96 (2022)
24.96 (2017)
24.96 (2015)
24.97 (2023)
24.98 (2014)
24.99 (2016)
