Kaleigh Gilchrist, an esteemed athlete with an illustrious career in water polo, has officially announced her retirement from the sport. This marks the end of a remarkable journey that saw her achieve extraordinary success on the global stage. Gilchrist, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a four-time world champion, made the announcement after the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Reflecting on her career, she shared a heartfelt message about her experiences and the profound impact water polo has had on her life.
From her early days at Newport Harbor pool, where an eight-year-old Gilchrist first fell in love with water polo, to her celebrated career, her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. “Today is a bittersweet day as I officially retire from the sport of water polo,” Gilchrist expressed. She reminisced about her initial uncertainty and how the sport led her to achievements beyond her wildest dreams. “Thank you to the sport of water polo for allowing me to be part of something far greater than myself,” she added. Gilchrist also extended her gratitude to her teammates, coaches, and supporters, acknowledging their role in making her career truly unforgettable.
US National Team head coach Adam Krikorian praised Gilchrist for her exceptional water polo IQ and competitive spirit. He highlighted her unparalleled game sense and the significant impact she had on the team throughout her 11-year tenure. “Kaleigh’s vision in the pool and her blend of competitiveness and joy made her a cornerstone of our program,” Krikorian noted. His admiration reflects the deep respect Gilchrist earned from her peers and coaches alike.
Before fully committing to water polo, Gilchrist was a dual-sport athlete with a successful surfing career. As a teenager, she won a national surfing championship and traveled with prominent surfing figures. It wasn’t until she joined the University of Southern California that water polo became her primary focus. After a standout collegiate career, including an NCAA Championship, she joined the national team, marking the start of her storied international career. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a severe injury from a nightclub collapse in Gwangju, Gilchrist’s resilience and dedication shone through. Her return to competition and subsequent successes, including two more World Championship titles and another Olympic gold, underscored her incredible perseverance.
Gilchrist’s retirement from water polo closes a chapter filled with victories at every level. Her achievements include CIF and NCAA Championships, two Olympic gold medals, four World Championship titles, three World Cup crowns, and three Pan American Games victories. A National Team exhibition match in her honor will be announced, celebrating her exceptional contributions to the sport. As she steps away from competitive water polo, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes.
USA Water Polo, the governing body for the sport in America, continues to support and develop water polo across the nation. With a commitment to fostering the growth of the sport, USAWP oversees numerous events and championships annually, supporting athletes from grassroots to elite levels.