The United States women’s medley relay team delivered a show-stopping performance in the final race of the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, setting a new world record while claiming the gold medal. After a challenging week plagued by illness among many swimmers, the quartet of Regan Smith, Kate Douglass, Gretchen Walsh, and Torri Huske rose to the occasion with a dominating swim that left fans and rivals alike in awe.
Relay Breakdown: Stellar Swims and Unmatched Teamwork
Lead-Off Backstroke: Regan Smith kicked off the relay by edging out Australia’s Kaylee McKeown in a tight backstroke leg, giving the U.S. an early advantage.
Breaststroke Boost: Kate Douglass, the meet’s 200m breaststroke gold medalist, extended the lead with a powerful and precise breaststroke leg that put the U.S. comfortably in front.
Butterfly Surge: Gretchen Walsh, fresh from winning the 100m butterfly, further increased the lead with a strong and aggressive butterfly split.
Freestyle Finish: Torri Huske sealed the victory with a composed and lightning-fast freestyle leg that touched the wall in 3:49.34—a stunning new world record.
This new mark crushed the previous world record of 3:49.63, which ironically included three of the same team members from the 2024 Olympics, marking a sensational improvement and cementing the U.S. as the dominant force in women’s medley relay swimming.
Overcoming Adversity: Triumph After Tough Challenges
The American team’s journey to this moment was far from smooth. Many athletes battled a stomach virus during the competition, which forced some to withdraw or underperform in earlier events. Yet, the final relay showcased the resilience and unbreakable spirit of the U.S. swimmers, who regrouped and delivered an emphatic statement in the tournament’s closing moments.
What This Victory Means for the U.S. Team
Ninth Gold Medal: This victory capped the U.S. team’s haul at nine golds, the most of any nation at the Championships.
Confidence Boost: The world record swim provides momentum heading into future international meets and the upcoming Olympic quad.
Team Bonding: Swimmers noted the close camaraderie and positive morale that helped them overcome setbacks this week.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who were the swimmers in the U.S. women’s medley relay team?
The relay team consisted of Regan Smith (backstroke), Kate Douglass (breaststroke), Gretchen Walsh (butterfly), and Torri Huske (freestyle).
2. What was the new world record time set by the team?
The U.S. team set a world record time of 3:49.34 in the women’s 4×100 medley relay.
3. How much faster was this time compared to the previous record?
The new record beat the previous mark by 0.29 seconds, which was set at the 2024 Olympics.
4. Did the U.S. team face any challenges during the Championships?
Yes, several team members battled a stomach virus that caused some withdrawals and subpar performances early on.
5. What impact does this win have on the future of U.S. women’s swimming?
It boosts the team’s confidence and highlights their depth as they prepare for upcoming international competitions.
Conclusion
The U.S. women’s 4×100 medley relay team closed out an intense and challenging 2025 World Aquatics Championships with a spectacular performance, smashing the world record and capturing gold in style. Their ability to overcome adversity and deliver under pressure is a testament to their talent, teamwork, and unwavering determination. As the team looks ahead to the next chapter, this victory signals a bright future for American women’s swimming on the global stage.
