In a thrilling climax to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA delivered a stunning performance in the women’s 4×100-meter medley relay, setting a new world record and securing their position at the top of the medal table. The U.S. quartet of Regan Smith, Lilly King, Gretchen Walsh, and Torri Huske not only bested their Australian rivals but also shattered the previous world record with a time of 3:49.63.
The race unfolded with an electrifying start from Regan Smith, who set an Olympic-record backstroke split, putting the U.S. ahead by 0.44 seconds against Australia’s Kaylee McKeown, who had dominated the individual backstroke events in Paris. Smith’s remarkable lead set the tone for the rest of the relay.
Lilly King, competing in her final Olympic race after some personal disappointments in individual events, delivered a blazing breaststroke leg. Her powerful swim extended the U.S. lead to nearly three seconds, a testament to her resilience and relay prowess. King’s contribution was pivotal, as it provided a comfortable cushion for the remaining swimmers.
Gretchen Walsh continued the momentum with a strong butterfly leg, further increasing the lead. By the time she handed off to Torri Huske, the U.S. was a commanding 4.07 seconds ahead of Australia. The American fans at Paris La Défense Arena were in full voice, cheering on their team as the gold medal seemed increasingly secure.
Torri Huske, the breakout star of the week from Arlington, Virginia, anchored the relay with poise and speed. Her performance capped off a phenomenal Olympic debut, where she amassed three golds and two silvers, the best haul of any U.S. swimmer. Huske’s determination and talent were on full display as she brought the relay home, securing the victory and the world record.
The victory was especially sweet for the Americans, who had narrowly lost the same event to Australia by 0.13 seconds in Tokyo three years prior. The U.S. team, more balanced and determined this time around, proved their dominance with each swimmer delivering one of their best performances of the week.
For Lilly King, this race was a fitting conclusion to an outstanding Olympic career, although she has announced plans to continue competing through the 2028 Olympics. Her legacy as a relay legend was cemented with this final, triumphant swim.
