Katie Ledecky proved once again why she’s one of the greatest swimmers in history, the American legend won gold in the 800-meter freestyle at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore on Saturday, extending her astonishing dominance in the event and with this win, Ledecky has now claimed the 800m freestyle title at seven consecutive world championships — a streak that began in 2013.
She also remains undefeated in the race at the Olympic level, having won gold in 2012, 2016, 2021, and 2024. She is the only woman in history to win the same individual event at four different Olympic Games.
Ledecky Outswims Rising Stars
At 28, Ledecky stood as the oldest swimmer in the final. She faced her fiercest challenge yet from the youngest in the field — Canada’s 18-year-old Summer McIntosh, a rising force in international swimming. Despite McIntosh’s charge and a strong push from Australia’s Lani Pallister, Ledecky held her lead and finished with a winning time of 8:05.62.
Pallister claimed silver with 8:05.98, while McIntosh took bronze in 8:07.29. Ledecky praised her competitors, saying, “That’s pretty incredible, three of us going under 8:10… incredibly fast. They pushed me all the way.”
Ledecky Ends McIntosh’s Five-Gold Dream
McIntosh entered the world championships with a shot at winning five individual titles — a feat only achieved by Michael Phelps. But Ledecky’s victory blocked that path. The Canadian teenager had already bagged gold in the 200 butterflies, 200 IM, and 400 IM, making her one of the meet’s brightest stars. She opted not to swim the 800 at the Paris Olympics, but if she enters in 2028, a rematch with Ledecky could be monumental.
The Legacy Grows
With this win, Ledecky now holds 23 world championship titles. She continues to extend her legacy not just as a dominant swimmer, but as a fierce competitor in an evolving field. Even after her 800m invincibility was challenged last year — when McIntosh defeated her at a Florida meet — Ledecky responded with grace and grit.
The 800-meter freestyle may have many future stars, but for now, Ledecky remains queen of the distance.
