Katie Ledecky has broken her own world record in the women’s 800-meter freestyle, nearly nine years after her last record-setting swim. The 28-year-old American achieved this milestone at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a time of 8:04.12. She shaved off 0.67 seconds from her previous record of 8:04.79, set during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
This marks another major moment in a career that began with Olympic gold when Ledecky was only 15 years old at the London 2012 Games. Since then, she has become one of the most dominant figures in swimming history.
Ledecky’s Long Reign in the 800m Freestyle
Ledecky has held the world record in the 800-meter freestyle since 2013. Her latest performance proves that even after more than a decade at the top, she is still getting faster. She now holds the 18 fastest times ever recorded in this event. Out of those, 10 swims were completed under 8:10.
Ledecky’s dominance is unmatched. But the competition is rising. Swimmers like Ariarne Titmus from Australia and Summer McIntosh from Canada have recently challenged her in other events, particularly the 400-meter freestyle. Titmus and McIntosh finished ahead of Ledecky in past international meets, raising questions about a possible shift in dominance.
But Ledecky’s performance in Fort Lauderdale sends a clear message: she is not backing down.
A Powerful Week in Fort Lauderdale
The TYR Pro Swim Series was more than just one race for Ledecky. On Wednesday, she swam the second-fastest 1,500m freestyle in history. On Thursday, she defeated Summer McIntosh in the 400m freestyle. Both races showed she is in peak form ahead of the U.S. Olympic Trials and the upcoming World Championships in Singapore, set to run from July 11 to August 3.
In the 800m freestyle final, Ledecky was in control from the start. She opened with consistent splits of 30.5 seconds per 50 meters. As the race neared the final lengths, she increased her speed, sensing that the record was within reach. She powered through the final meters to break her own world record and make history once again.
A Career Defined by Records and Rivalries
Ledecky’s career has been shaped not only by her talent but also by her work ethic and ability to rise in the face of competition. While she has long dominated the 800m freestyle, she now faces more pressure than ever in other events. The rise of Titmus and McIntosh has forced her to push even harder.
Earlier this year, Titmus defeated McIntosh and Ledecky in the 400m freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics, earning gold. McIntosh took silver. These results added fuel to the competitive fire.
But Fort Lauderdale showed that Ledecky is far from finished. She remains the swimmer to beat in long-distance freestyle.
What’s Next for Ledecky?
Ledecky’s next major challenge will be at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis in June 2025. She is expected to compete in the 400m, 800m, and 1,500m freestyle events. Based on her recent times, she remains the favorite for all three.
After that, all eyes will be on the World Championships in Singapore. There, she may once again face Titmus and McIntosh, setting the stage for another high-stakes showdown.
Impact Beyond the Pool
Ledecky’s influence extends beyond medals and records. She is a role model for young swimmers and a symbol of consistency, hard work, and excellence. Her latest record comes at a time when American swimming is looking for leaders ahead of the 2025 World Championships and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Her journey also highlights the power of longevity in sport. In an age when many athletes peak early, Ledecky has maintained elite form for over a decade.
