Katie Ledecky Wins Gold, USA Sets Relay World Record at World Swimming Championships

On August 2, American swimming star Katie Ledecky clinched the gold medal in the 800m freestyle at the World Swimming Championships, defeating Canadian sensation Summer McIntosh. McIntosh, 18, had led until the 700m mark but gradually fell behind. Ledecky finished with a time of 8:05.62.

Lani Pallister of Australia secured silver with a time of 8:05.98, and McIntosh took bronze with 8:07.29.

Katie Ledecky celebrated her win in Singapore, where the event was held. McIntosh, a triple gold medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympics, is not used to losing and made clear her dissatisfaction in post-race comments. Despite this setback, she has already earned three gold medals at the Singapore championships and remains a top contender in the upcoming 400m individual medley on August 3.

This victory was one of three golds the United States won on August 2 — their best day so far in what had been a relatively disappointing championship. Ledecky now holds 23 world championship golds and a total of 30 world medals. She also owns nine Olympic gold medals and 14 total Olympic medals.

Other U.S. Highlights:

Gretchen Walsh claimed her second individual gold at the world championships by winning the 50m butterfly in 24.83 seconds. She had previously won the 100m fly. Australia's Alexandra Perkins took silver (25.31 sec), and Belgium's Roos Vanotterdijk won bronze (25.43 sec).

Walsh said, “Two-time world champion — no complaints at all.”

In the men’s 50m freestyle, Australia's Cameron McEvoy defended his world title with a winning time of 21.14 seconds. Ben Proud of Great Britain won silver (21.26 sec), while American Jack Alexy earned bronze (21.46 sec).

Medal Standings:

As of August 3, the final day of the championships, the United States leads the medal tally with eight golds and a total of 26 medals, ahead of Australia, which has 17 total medals.