American swimmer Gretchen Walsh dedicated her gold medal in the mixed 4×100-meter medley relay to her older sister Alex, saying she was distraught to learn that her sister had been disqualified in the 200-meter individual medley on Saturday.
Alex, the silver medallist for 2021, finished third in her event, behind American compatriot Kate Douglass and Canadian Summer McIntosh.
However, at the conclusion of her backstroke leg, she was disqualified for swimming improper turn, which gave Australian Kaylee McKeown the bronze medal.
“I am just inconsolable. After the United States won gold in the relay, Gretchen told reporters, “I think that Alex deserves so much.”
It’s difficult for me to express how much work she has put in. Though it’s quite upsetting, I have faith that she will return, stronger than before.
As Gretchen prepared for the final event of the evening, the relay, she received the news. Even though it surprised her, she took it as motivation when the Americans won the mixed 4×100-meter medley relay and smashed the world record.
“Yes, I watched the race, and I was ecstatic for her. Gretchen said, “I was excited to see her on the podium when I noticed she touched third.”
After warming up for an additional 50 meters, I was declared disqualified (DQ). I was furious when I suddenly halted in the middle of the pool.
“I’m not sure how best to put it. I realised that I would have to immediately put things behind me, give her a great hug, and let her know that I was always here for her. And after that, proceed to win the mixed relay in her honour.
The world record, which Britain had achieved in the Tokyo Olympics, was lowered by 0.15 seconds with the U.S. time of three minutes and 37.43 seconds.
Following China’s Pan Zhanle, the gold medallist in the men’s 100-meter freestyle, it was only the second world record set in the pool at La Defence Arena in Paris.
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