USA’s freestyle swimming queen reveals secret to her longevity

Katie Ledecky’s outstanding 800 freestyle record

There are very few clear cut favourites for the blue-riband events in swimming at Paris 2024, such is the level of competition.

However, the women’s 800 free is an exception. As a returning three-time champion, who also boasts six world titles in the event, Ledecky is the stand-out athlete.

She currently owns the 29 fastest performances in history and her World Record sits 8.5 seconds clear of the second-fastest performer.

The only recent blip on that record came in March this year. Ledecky lost an 800 free race for the first time in more than a decade when Summer McIntosh clinched victory in Orlando. However, the Canadian teenager, who became the second-fastest swimmer ever in the event, will not compete in the event at Paris 2024 in order to concentrate on her other events.

Despite having set the the world’s quickest time in the event this year, Ledecky keeps close tabs on her competition and was very aware that she was slightly slower than Titmus at their respective Trials.

“I’m a student of the sport, I keep track of what’s going on around the world. I know what everyone’s doing and I’m excited to race everyone,” Ledeckly, who was visibly frustrated with her pace, told reporters after.

Referring to the potential 400 free final to come, she said: “What Ariarne and Summer have done is amazing, and Paige (Madden) is doing really well so it’s going to be a really fast field and I’m really looking forward to it.”