American swimming superstar Katie Ledecky has shattered her own world record in the women’s 800-metre freestyle, a mark she set nearly nine years ago.
The 28-year-old achieved an impressive time of 8:04.12 during the TYR Pro Swim Series event held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday (AEST).
In accomplishing this feat, Ledecky surpassed her previous record of 8:04.79, which she set at the 2016 Olympic Games.
The champion from Washington DC now claims the 18 fastest times in the women’s 800m freestyle and holds 31 of the top 34 times.
As she powered through the final lap in Florida, the crowd erupted with claps, cheers, and whistles from spectators both on the pool deck and beyond.
When she touched the wall and the time of 8:04.12 lit up on the big screen, the atmosphere became electric.
Katie Ledecky captured after swimming her second-fastest 400m freestyle time during a scorching performance in Florida. Getty
“KATIE. FREAKING. LEDECKY,” USA Swimming exclaimed on X.
Swimming legend Rowdy Gaines shared a succinct remark following Ledecky’s remarkable performance.
“For anyone who still questions whether Katie Ledecky is the greatest female swimmer ever, you clearly haven’t grasped the facts,” Gaines stated on X.
“Not just the finest female freestyler, but the finest … period.”
Earlier in the event, Ledecky notched up the second-fastest 400m freestyle time of her illustrious career.
She clocked in at 3:56.81, winning against the 18-year-old Canadian sensation Summer McIntosh, who finished at 3:58.28.
The world record for the 400m freestyle stands at 3:55.38, achieved by Australia’s Ariarne Titmus during the 2023 world championships in Fukuoka, Japan.
“I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see 3:56 again,” an overjoyed Ledecky remarked poolside after her electrifying 400m swim in Florida.
“It honestly wasn’t something I was thinking about tonight.”
Ledecky also delivered an astonishing 1500m performance earlier in the Florida competition, timing 15:24.51, coming remarkably close to breaking her own world record of 15:20.48, set in Indianapolis in 2018.
At the Paris Olympics last year, Ledecky became a nine-time Olympic gold medallist and secured the Olympic 800m freestyle title for the fourth time.
The American triumphed over Titmus to clinch gold in the 800m with a time of 8:11.04, finishing 1.25 seconds ahead.
Ledecky was just 15 years old when she earned her first Olympic gold medal in the 800m freestyle at the London 2012 Games.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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