Katie Ledecky shatters her own world record in 800m freestyle
- Katie Ledecky achieved a time of 8:04.12 in the women's 800m freestyle at the TYR Pro Series.
- This new record surpasses her previous record set during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
- Ledecky's performance highlights her ongoing dominance in long-distance swimming as she aims for the 2028 Olympics.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 3, 2025, Katie Ledecky achieved a monumental accomplishment by breaking her own world record in the women's 800m freestyle event. She recorded a remarkable time of 8:04.12, eclipsing her previous record of 8:04.79 that had stood since the 2016 Rio Olympics. During the race, Ledecky momentarily lagged behind her record pace around the 450m mark but surged ahead, regaining her momentum by the 550m mark. This latest achievement positions her as the holder of the top ten fastest times ever recorded in the 800m freestyle, further cementing her legacy in the sport of swimming. Ledecky's impressive career includes winning gold medals in the 800m event in each of her last four Olympic appearances, starting with a victory at the age of 15 during the 2012 London games. Despite a seven-year gap between world records, her recent performances, including a remarkable second-fastest time in the women's 1500m freestyle earlier in the TYR Pro Series, indicated that she was regaining her previous form. The swimmer expressed her elation after achieving the world record, crediting the supportive crowd for her success and emphasizing the surreal nature of the moment. Additionally, on the same day Ledecky set her world record, fellow American swimmer Gretchen Walsh also made headlines by becoming the first woman to swim the 100m butterfly in under 55 seconds. Walsh's record-breaking swim added a layer of excitement to the event, prompting Ledecky to acknowledge her fellow swimmer's achievement and the shared celebration of records being set during the meet. With her eyes on the future, Ledecky has confirmed her intention to compete in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Following her recent triumphs, she now plans to prepare for the upcoming United States Championships in June, with hopes of securing a spot on the U.S. team for the World Championships. As Ledecky continues to excel in the sport, she remains a pillar of excellence in long-distance freestyle swimming.