By Andrew Ramspacher, fpa5up@virginia.edu; photos by Matt Riley, mkr4n@virginia.edu
The grin on the face of the father of two college-aged daughters was childlike.
“This is so cool!” Robert Walsh said as he took what felt like his 20th selfie of the afternoon.
Wearing a white shirt with “Swim Dad” printed in red across the chest, Walsh was especially proud on this sun-splashed day in late May at the Boar’s Head Resort pool in Charlottesville. It’s here where a production crew from NBC Sports spent some six hours with the Walsh family in anticipation of the Summer Olympics.
Walsh is a “swim dad” to Alex (A&S ’24) and Gretchen Walsh (McIntire ’25), the University of Virginia’s star swimmers who are both competing for the U.S. team in Paris.
The story of the sisters was compelling enough for the American broadcast partner of the Olympics to get the scoop for itself. UVA Today was granted behind-the-scenes access as the crew, led by NBC Sports coordinating producer Vinny Costello, worked with the Walshes – including Alex, Gretchen, Robert, and his wife, Glynis – on a video shoot that will soon be shown to the masses as part of the network’s Olympics coverage.
“I can’t thank Glynis and Robert enough for being so open and receptive to sharing their family stories, photos, home videos and special memories,” Costello said. “My time with them will be a highlight for me when I look back on the Paris Olympics many years from now.
“Alex and Gretchen are absolute gems.”
The talent of Alex, who will compete in the 200-meter individual medley in Paris, and Gretchen, who will compete in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly and 4×100-meter freestyle relay, is what initially drew NBC’s interest in featuring the sisters. But “the family aspect was what was most intriguing to me,” Costello said. “The bond they share. Their mom’s background as a swim captain at Boston College. They’re such a wonderful, close family, and getting to know them during the process was an absolute pleasure for me.”
One short clip from the shoot was already broadcast during the U.S. Olympic swimming trials in June, with more in-depth pieces coming over the next week in conjunction with the Walshes’ events, Costello said.
Until then, peek at the Boar’s Head shoot through the lens of UVA Today Senior Photographer Matt Riley.
One part of the shoot featured the Walsh sisters interviewing each other.
The Walsh family – Robert, Gretchen, Alex, and Glynis – were a pleasure to work with, said NBC Sports coordinating producer Vinny Costello.
A giddy Robert Walsh captured many of the day’s moments for himself via selfies.
Gretchen, left, and Alex are both swimming in the Paris Games for the U.S.
While NBC interviewed their parents, Gretchen and Alex swam a few laps in the Boar’s Head Resort pool.
Gretchen, a rising fourth-year student at UVA, is making her Olympic debut in Paris, while Alex, a graduate student, is competing in the Summer Games for a second time. Alex won a silver medal in Tokyo.
A dip back in the pool was natural for Glynis, middle, who swam collegiately at Boston College.
Gretchen, left, and Alex had fun recreating a few of their childhood photos.
NBC’s shoot schedule included a segment titled “Girls Throw Mama in the Pool.” The Walsh daughters then followed direction.
The sisters dive into the pool together. Alex and Gretchen are a big reason why UVA has won four consecutive national championships in women’s swimming.
To capture footage of underwater shots, an NBC cameraman jumped in the pool in scuba gear.
Usually regulars at the Aquatic and Fitness Center on Grounds, the Walsh sisters got some practice in the Boar’s Head Resort pool in Charlottesville.
The grind to make it as an Olympian is tough, but, as the Walsh sisters show, you can do it while having some fun along the way.
This story was originally published on UVA Today on July 25, 2024.
