Drama in the Pool: US Swimmer Alex Walsh DQ’d, Sister Strikes Gold Moments Later

A tight-knit family faced contrasting emotions at the Summer Games on Saturday.

PARIS, France — American swimmer Alex Walsh was disqualified, losing a bronze medal, just as her younger sister Gretchen won gold in the U.S. relay team, setting a world record.

“I’m just devastated,” Gretchen Walsh said. “Alex deserves so much, she’s worked so hard, but I know she’ll be back and better than ever.”

Alex Walsh initially finished third in the women’s 200-meter individual medley. However, a review nullified her result.

American Kate Douglass secured silver, while Alex was disqualified for an illegal turn from backstroke to breaststroke, according to World Aquatics.

Not long after, Gretchen was part of the U.S. 4×100 mixed relay team that won gold and broke the world record.

She joined her teammates Torri Huske, Nic Fink, and Ryan Murphy on the medal stand.

The team finished in 3 minutes, 37.43 seconds, narrowly ahead of China’s team. A review confirmed their victory.

Ryan Murphy celebrated by throwing both arms into the air.

The Walsh sisters recently led the University of Virginia to its fourth consecutive NCAA swimming and diving championship.

Gretchen watched Alex’s race and then swam to warm down before her own event.

“I was thrilled that she was on the podium,” Gretchen said. “When I saw her disqualification, I was upset but knew I had to move on. I did this for her.”