2026 U.S. Short Course World Championship Trials
WOMEN’S 50 FREESTYLE – PRELIMS
Finalists:
- Kate Douglass (NYAC), 22.87
- Gretchen Walsh (NYAC), 23.20
- Liberty Clark (IU), 23.49
- Camille Spink (TENN), 23.59
- Caroline Larsen (UOFL), 23.70
- Cadence Vincent (BAMA), 23.77
- Torri Huske (NYAC), 24.00
- Olivia Smoliga (TFA), 24.08
Kate Douglass, racing her 2nd race within an hour, continued to show her versatility as one of the US’s top talents in between the lane lines, blasting a massive 22.87 in the 50 freestyle to move into the top two performers all-time, and delivered a performance that ranks in a tie for the 3rd fastest time in history.
Douglass surged to a lifetime best of 22.87 in prelims in Westmont, improving on her 22.94 from just two weeks ago at the UVA SCM Worlds Prep Meet, which had stood as the US Open Record for less than a day before Gretchen Walsh broke it, along with the American and World Records, in 22.75.
Entering this meet, Douglass ranked #3 all time, behind Walsh and Dutch swimmer Ranomi Kromowidjojo; this swim moved her into the top two, behind her friend and training partner Walsh.
Top Women’s 50 Free Performers All Time SCM:
- Gretchen Walsh (USA) – 22.75 (2026)
- Kate Douglass (USA) – 22.87 (2026)
- Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) – 22.93 (2017)
- Sarah Sjostrom (SWE) – 23.00 (2017)
- Emma McKeon (AUS) – 23.04 (2024)
Her time also ties her for the 3rd-fastest performance all time, behind Walsh’s 22.87 from the 2024 Short Course World Championships. Together, they own the top four times ever in the women’s 50 free.
Top Performances Women’s 50 Free SCM:
- Gretchen Walsh (USA) – 22.75 (2026)
- Gretchen Walsh (USA) – 22.83 (2024)
- Gretchen Walsh (USA) / Kate Douglass (USA) – 22.87 (2024/2026)
- –
- Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) – 22.93 (2017)
Douglass closed out her summer on the highest of highs, notching an earth-shaking long-course 50 free world record of 23.19 at the Pan Pacific Championships. Earlier that season, Walsh and Douglass had traded the 50 free record back and forth.
Whenever these two titans face off head-to-head, there are sure to be fireworks, and we will get that opportunity later this evening.
