Ledecky Wins Again, Sets Record at World Aquatics Championships

Katie Ledecky demonstrated her continued dominance in the swimming world. She secured victory in the 800-meter race at the World Aquatics Championships held in Singapore, overcoming challenges from younger competitors. This win extended her impressive 13-year reign in the distance.

Ledecky, at 28 years old, achieved her fourth-fastest time ever, clocking in at 8:05.62. The race saw her initially trailing 18-year-old Summer McIntosh before she surged ahead. She then fended off a late push from Lani Pallister, 23, to secure the win.

Her performance set a new world-championship record. Pallister finished with a time of 8:05.98, becoming only the third woman to break the 8:10 mark in the 800-meter race. McIntosh finished with a time of 8:07.29.

This victory marked Ledecky's seventh world title in the same event, a first in swimming. She also holds four Olympic gold medals in the distance and is anticipated to compete in the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

Following the race, Ledecky expressed satisfaction with her season, stating that the lack of pressure allowed her to enjoy the moment. This win added to her impressive record, representing her 23rd world championship and 30th medal overall. She is second only to Michael Phelps in both categories.

Ledecky acknowledged the stress of the final stretch of the race, emphasizing the need to pace herself. She plans to take a short break before resuming training, with a focus on further improvement. Earlier in the week, Ledecky also won the 1,500-meter freestyle.

In other events, American Gretchen Walsh secured her second gold medal of the week in the 50-meter butterfly, with a time of 24.83. Kaylee McKeown of Australia won the 200m backstroke in 2:03.33. The U.S. team also set a world record in the mixed 4x100-meter freestyle relay, finishing in 3:18.48.