Katie Ledecky Breaks Her Own 800m Freestyle World Record

On May 3, 2025, at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Katie Ledecky broke her world record in the women’s 800-meter freestyle, finishing with a time of 8:04.12. This performance surpassed her previous record of 8:04.79, which she set during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Katie Ledecky Breaks Freestyle World Record (Credit: metrobiography.com)

Record-Breaking Swim

At 28 years old, Katie Ledecky became the fifth-oldest woman to break a world record and the second oldest to do so in a distance event. This achievement marks her first long-course world record since 2018 and reinforces her enduring dominance in distance freestyle events.

She demonstrated her enduring dominance by achieving the top 10 fastest times ever recorded in the 800-meter freestyle event. Her consistent excellence over the years highlights her status as one of the greatest swimmers in history. 

Earlier in the Meet

Earlier in the meet, Ledecky also swam the second-fastest 1500-meter freestyle in history and recorded the second-fastest 400-meter freestyle of her career. These performances indicate that she remains a top contender for the upcoming U.S. national championships and the world championships in Singapore.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Ledecky is setting her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She has expressed a strong desire to compete on home soil, aiming to inspire the next generation of swimmers. While she approaches her career year by year, the prospect of participating in her fifth Olympic Games remains a compelling goal.

In the immediate future, Ledecky is preparing for the upcoming World Championships in Singapore, scheduled from July 11 to August 3. Her recent performances, including the second-fastest 1500-meter freestyle time in history, indicate that she remains at the pinnacle of her sport.

Ledecky’s ongoing success not only solidifies her legacy as one of the greatest swimmers of all time but also inspires athletes worldwide, demonstrating that excellence can be maintained over time through dedication and resilience.

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