Paris, France: (CVILLE RIGHT NOW): With one medal already in hand, a silver in the 100-meter butterfly, UVA fourth year Gretchen Walsh took to the pool this evening (Wednesday) in Paris in the final of the 100-meter freestyle.  Walsh qualified in the final available slot for the final with a time of 52.99 in the semifinal.  She battled Arlington, Virginia native, Torri Huske once again, after the two finished first and second respectively in the 100-meter butterfly final.   

Walsh began her race well and finished the first length in the top three places.  However, 100-meter freestyle world champion Sarah Sjoestroem of Sweden won Gold with a late surge, Huske earned silver, and Siobhan Haughey of Hong Kong notched bronze.  

Gretchen lost pace rapidly at the end, bringing up the rear in 8th. 

Gretchen’s Olympic journey is not yet at its end.  

She swims in the 50-meter freestyle beginning August 3rd.