How Building Muscle Transformed Gretchen Walsh's Swimming

"Building muscle... has changed everything."

For Gretchen Walsh, becoming one of the fastest swimmers in the world hasn't just been about what happens in the pool.

She's in the weight room four times a week and takes a power-focused approach to her individualized training, with plenty of power cleans and snatches in the mix.

For a sprinter, that strength has become a major piece of the puzzle.

*Note: This conversation was recorded before the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships.*