The 21-year-old American couldn't quite match the astonishing 55.18 she clocked in the semi-finals to break the record of 55.48 set by Sweden's Sarah Sjoestroem at Rio 2016, but she posted the second-best time in history to claim the top spot on the podium for the United States.

The swimmer's outstanding week culminated in the well-deserved prize of qualifying for Paris 2024.  This achievement came in the final (not in the semifinal with the world record included), as the ticket could only be obtained in a final event.

In less than two months, the young swimmer made significant progress, improving from 56.14 seconds at the San Antonio Pro Series in April to 55.18 and 55.31, marking a week that will go down in history.

"I'm still in shock," said Walsh. "I don't even know what to say. Making the team was the biggest goal, but to set a world record is absolutely insane," said the Tennessee native, who will be competing in her first Olympic Games in Paris.

Torri Huske, the 2022 world champion who missed the podium at Tokyo 2020 three years ago, finished second with a personal best of 55.52, the fourth-fastest time in history, to secure another Olympic opportunity for the 21-year-old from Arlington County, Virginia.

Former backstroke world record holder Regan Smith, who finished third in 55.62, will now have to focus on her other events as only the top two finishers can secure individual spots in Paris.

Gretchen Walsh has added another world record to this year's list of Olympic trials. Her performance adds to the impressive records set by other outstanding swimmers at similar events around the world.

Just a month ago, Summer McIntosh set a new world record in the 400m individual medley at Canada's trials, while Ariarne Titmus did the same in Australia a few days ago with the best time in the 200m freestyle.

These milestones demonstrate the fierce competition and high calibre of athletes in this Olympic year. With just 40 days to go until the start of the Paris 2024 swimming competitions (27 July to 4 August at the La Défense arena), they herald exceptional activity at the pinnacle of global multi-sport competition.