James Bernard Walsh comes to Old Dominion University after an illustrious career at the University of Florida. Graduating in 2008 with a degree in Exercise Physiology, Walsh qualified for the NCAA Championship meet in 2007 and 2008 in the 100 and 200 butterfly events. He was also a member of the Filipino Olympic swim team in Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008. In China, he became the first Southeast Asian ever to break the 2-minute barrier in the 200 long course butterfly.
In his senior year, Walsh also received the Bill Harlan Spirit Award; given out for genuine commitment and dedication to the University of Florida Swim Program and the Gator Achievement Award; given out for outstanding leadership, academic performance, good character, and contribution to the community.
Walsh, a native of Virginia Beach, will begin medical school in the fall of 2010 at the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine.