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26 CAVALIER CORNER the U.S. National Team by winning silver in the 200-meter individual medley at the 2020 To- kyo Olympics. She followed her international success with ACC and NCAA individual titles. She was named the ACC Women's Swimmer of the Meet after winning three individual and three relay titles. At the NCAA Championships, she was part of two American- and NCAA- record relays, and she won individual crowns in the 200 individual medley, 400 individual medley and 200 butterfly. Just three months later, Alex was back on the international podium. At the 2022 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, she took home gold in the 200 individual medley with the fifth-fastest time ever. Even with all her previous success, it was at that race where Walsh hit a new level of self-confidence. "At Worlds, I knew exactly what I had to do in that moment. And that was kind of the first time that I just felt like I … I just knew what I was doing. I think that was kind of a turning point for me in my career," Alex said. "Moving forward to my last two years of college swimming, I think I finally feel like this whole time I've been preparing for now — which is this stage of my life where I know what I'm doing. I have a lot of confidence going to my races." Gretchen's first year with the Cavaliers was one for the record books, literally. The younger Walsh won four events in her collegiate debut against Cal to earn ACC Women's Swimmer of the Week. She contin- ued to impress during the season and broke out with runner-up finishes in all three in- dividual events at the ACC Championships. She then went on to win her first NCAA title in the 100 freestyle. "Everything I was supposed to do hap- pened, and it also just gave me a lot of trust in this program and the team just showing that hard work really does pay off," Gretchen said. "Our team has really bonded over the idea of creating a legacy for UVA, and I think that's something that gives us leverage over others because we're motivated." With both Walshes on the roster, UVA's re- cord book has been completely rewritten. As of late January, the duo held six individual school records and three ACC records. The versatility both have can be seen through their wide array of events during their short time with the Cavaliers. They also have teamed up together for some record-setting relays while with the Cavaliers. Virginia won four of the five NCAA relay titles in 2022, and both sisters swam on UVA's championship-winning 200 free relay, 400 free relay and 400 medley relay. "It is really wholesome and amazing what we are doing," Gretchen said after the 200 free relay win. "I don't think many people get to say they are on national champion relays with their sister very often. It is really spe- At the 2022 NCAA Championships, Alex (left) and Gretchen (right) combined to win four individual national titles. They also swam on four title-winning relays, three of which they teamed up on. (Photo courtesy UVA)