Katie Ledecky continues to solidify her status as one of the greatest swimmers in history. The 28-year-old Olympic swimmer clinched her 7th consecutive world title at the world championships in Singapore on Saturday, August 2, triumphing in the 800-meter freestyle.
Ledecky defeated a strong field of competitors, including Australia’s Lani Pallister and Canada’s 18-year-old Summer McIntosh.
A Thrilling Finish
Ledecky’s victory was nothing short of dramatic. She took an early lead, with McIntosh closely trailing her throughout most of the race. However, McIntosh made a move past Ledecky after the 700m mark.
But just as the Canadian swimmer was nearing the finish, Ledecky surged ahead in the final 50m, finishing with a .25-second lead. Her final time was 8:05.62.
After the race, Ledecky expressed her happiness with the result, telling The Guardian, “I was really happy, obviously. It’s the fastest I’ve ever been at a world championship.”
Reflecting on her performance, she added, “It’s been a great season, and coming into tonight, I knew I was going to be happy with it no matter the outcome. That really took the pressure off and allowed me to enjoy the race and appreciate the moment.”
Fighting Until the End
Though Ledecky was pleased with her performance, she admitted the race was stressful, especially facing competitors like Pallister and McIntosh. “They were right there the whole time,” she said, acknowledging the fierce competition. “They pushed me all the way.
That’s pretty incredible, three of us going under 8:10.” Despite the challenge, Ledecky’s focus remained on trusting her training, particularly her kicking. “I just kept telling myself to trust my legs,” she said.
Additional Wins at the World Championships
In addition to her gold medal in the 800-meter freestyle, Ledecky earned a gold in the 1,500-meter freestyle and a bronze in the 400-meter freestyle earlier in the week. With this win, Ledecky now has 23 career world titles, just three shy of Michael Phelps’ record of 26 career world titles.
Her victory in the 800-meter freestyle also marks her 30th world championship medal overall, further cementing her legacy in the sport.
Plans After the World Championships
After her impressive performance in Singapore, Ledecky shared plans for a well-deserved break. “I’m looking forward to spending some time off with loved ones and to take a dip in the pool I swam in when I was younger in Washington D.C.,” she told NBC News. “It’s home to me, but I’m with the people that I love, around the pool.”
Ledecky’s Continued Dominance
Ledecky’s achievements in the 800-meter freestyle are unparalleled. She has won Olympic gold in the event in 2012, 2016, 2021, and 2024. In fact, at the 2024 Olympics, she became the most decorated female American Olympian, with 13 medals to her name.
She continues to break records in the sport. In May, Ledecky broke her own world record for the women’s 800-meter freestyle during the TYR Pro Swim Series, finishing .67 seconds faster than her previous record set at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Ledecky also holds the top 10 performances of all time in the event.
