There seems to be a new star on the horizon in the swimming world. While Gretchen Walsh looks to set new records at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she can now almost feel the breath on her neck from a University of California prodigy. Alex Shackell, the Carmel Swimming Club member, is sending ripples across the community at the ongoing Junior Nationals and has eyes for Walsh’s national record as they both gear up for next year’s Olympics in the French capital.

At this year’s Tennesse Invitational, Walsh turned several heads with her record-making (and breaking) spree. However, Shackell, the 17-year-old star, is already inching closer to Walsh’s performance. Shackell’s staggering performance in the Junior Nationals is giving Walsh’s 100 fly stats a run for their money and social media is losing its mind.

Alex Shackell eyeing Gretchen Walsh’s record

In a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, a USA swimming insider highlighted Alex Shackell’s sensational clock timings at the National Juniors. In the 100-yard butterfly event, Shackell clocked an impressive 49.49. Hints of her form were already highlighted in the prelims where Shackell went 50.28 in the 100 fly. Considering the current record in the NCAA championship, Shackell’s time is only behind that of Walsh’s (48.30).

“ALEX. SHACKELL. 49.49 100 FLY.”, the Twitter post couldn’t hold back on enthusiasm as the University of California student took the first place. The moment was so significant that even the swimmers in the next lane seemed to be delighted by Shackell’s achievement. Alex’s peers congratulated her with what looked like a peppy “Yeah baby“, and we’re all on board.

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Shackell has been extremely consistent at this year’s Junior Nationals. She entered the event with 50.47 on the clock in the 100 butterfly. Now, with her timing in the finals, Shackell inches closer to not only Gretchen Walsh’s record but also looks to cast shadows on another Olympic sweetheart of the country.

Shackell and Walsh gear up for the 2024 Olympics

Kate Douglass is still the national record holder in the 100 butterfly. With Walsh’s 48.30 being an unofficial record, Douglass continues to bask in the glory of holding the NCAA record. While Walsh is being hailed as the possible underdog of Team USA swimming, Douglass’ extraordinary season is making the countrymen believe in the nation’s hopes for gold in swimming in Paris next year.

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While Walsh’s butterfly record in November waits to be ratified because of the circumstances in which it was achieved, the three-time NCAA champ will surely have more pressing things to focus on. On the other hand, the rising star Shackell will also be itching to make her mark on the grandest stage of them all.

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