"Goodbyes are hard" - Alex Walsh continues her collegiate swimming journey with the University of Virginia for her fifth year

After displaying her exceptional swimming proficiency at the 2024 NCAA Swimming Championships, Alex Walsh has announced her decision to stay with the University of Virginia for another year.

Walsh contributed to the Virginia women's team victory, securing their fourth NCAA Championships. The 22-year-old secured six medals in the Championships, including three individual and as many team medals.

She secured a gold medal in the 400y individual medley after clocking the second fastest time of 3:55.97 at the Jack Bauerle Pool in Gabrielsen Natatorium, Athens, Georgia. Furthermore, she clinched two more medals after topping the 200m breaststroke and 200m individual medley, registering stunning times of 2:02.07 and 1:49.20.

Seizing the advantage of the extended year eligibility due to COVID-19, offered to the collegiate swimmers by the NCAA, Alex Walsh committed to stay with the Cavaliers for another year. She took to social media to announce her decision and wrote a heartwarming message.

"Goodbyes are hard," wrote Alex. "Good thing I get one more year to practice mine 🫶🫶🤓🥹 #fifthyear."

Alex's sister, Gretchen, who equally showcased her remarkable skills at the championships by bagging seven medals, backed the former's decision by commenting on the post. She wrote:

"She’s here to stay 🥳🥳🥳."

"I've been like working really hard in the weight room" - Alex Walsh credits weight training for her improved performance

Alex Walsh of Team United States competes in the Women's 200m Individual Medley Final at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships at Marine Messe in Fukuoka, Japan.

Apart from her individual feats at the 2024 NCAA Championships, Alex Walsh also contributed to the success of relay teams, including 200-y freestyle, 400-y freestyle, and 400-y medley relay events.

During a post-race interview at the 2024 NCAA Championships, she reflected on her successful season so far, attributing the improvement in her performance to the weight training sessions.

"This year I have really put my head down and wanted to get back to a place to be better than I have ever been before, especially after my second year where I had like a really great NCAA and international season. I just wanted to be back in that place and because I knew I was capable of it so really honestly I've been like working really hard in the weight room. I think that's been the biggest change."

At the 2023 NCAA Championships, Walsh secured victories in the 400-y individual medley, 400-y freestyle relay, 800-y free relay, 200-y medley relay, and 400-y medley relay events.