Sophia Walker wins two golds at De schnällscht Zürifisch 2026

Sophia Walker, 12, of Limmat Sharks Zürich won gold in two 50m freestyle heats and placed fourth in a third at De schnällscht Zürifisch 2026 on April 11, 2026, at the outdoor pool in Zürich-Oerlikon.

The meet brought together age-group swimmers from clubs across the region in a long-course competition. Walker competed in three 50m freestyle heats, finishing first in two of them with times of 29.83 and 30.06 seconds. Her third swim, a 29.97, placed her fourth in that heat. Her fastest time of the day, 29.83, earned a FINA points score of 495.

Other swimmers also stood out across the age groups. In the younger girls' events, Anna Müller of SC Uster reached the podium for the first time this season with a personal best in the 100m breaststroke. Lukas Weber of SV Basel touched the wall for a bronze in the boys' 200m individual medley, his first medal in that event since 2024. In the oldest age group, Elena Rossi of Nuoto Lugano took silver in the 400m freestyle, improving her previous best by more than 2 seconds.

Limmat Sharks Zürich finished the meet with 14 total podiums, including 6 gold, 5 silver and 3 bronze medals. That placed the club second overall behind SC Uster, which collected 16 medals. Limmat Sharks' swimmers reached the podium in 9 of the 12 events they entered, and the club's relay team won gold in the mixed 4x50m freestyle.

The meet wrapped up by early afternoon, with swimmers and coaches packing up under clear skies. For Walker, the two golds add to a steady season of personal progress in the sprint freestyle.