U.S. Nationals: Gretchen Walsh Stuns with 25.54 50 Butterfly For Top Seed

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

U.S. Nationals: Gretchen Walsh Stuns with 25.54 50 Butterfly For Top Seed

Gretchen Walsh used a stellar start and quick stroke to take the top seed in the 50 butterfly at the U.S. National Championships on Wednesday in Indianapolis.

Walsh got to the wall in 25.54, the fifth-fastest in the world this year to earn the top seed in tonight’s final, leading a field that includes four Olympians and multiple NCAA champions.

Torri Huske took the second seed in 25.97, followed by fellow Olympian Abbey Weitzeil (26.04).

NCAA champion Beata Nelson was fourth at 26.21, ahead of Claire Curzan (26.26) and fellow Olympian Natalie Hinds (26.45). Ohio State’s Katherine Zenick (26.54) and Texas’ Olivia Bray tied for the seventh seed in 26.54 to earn the last two finals spots in the event at US Nationals.

Kate Douglass scratched from the 50 butterfly after taking the top seed in the 200 breaststroke earlier in the session.

Hinds, with a 26.45, won the first circle-seeded heat ahead of Gabi Albiero.

Nelson 26.21 took the next heat over Curzan (26.26).

In the final heat, Gretchen Walsh was out fast and got to the wall in 25.54 ahead of Huske (25.97) and Weitzeil (26.04).

The loaded field will battle it out for the world championships spots in the quick event.

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