The Paris La Defense Arena witnessed several exciting moments throughout the 2024 Summer Games. However, one of the most exciting moments was watching defending Olympic champion Bobby Finke go head-to-head with Gregorio Paltrinieri in the 1500m event. While many hoped he would be able to replicate his win from 3 years ago, he went ahead and did so much more! The 24-year-old didn’t just claim the top step of the podium, but his stellar time of 14:30.67 set a new world record. Talk about claiming a victory in style! 

Finke recently discussed what Paris was like in a casual sit-down interview with SwimSwam. When talking about distance swimming, it only makes sense to talk about the powerhouse, Katie Ledecky, doesn’t it? The swimmer already had Michael Phelps in her corner, but it looks like the 24-year-old has joined in as well. While narrating his experience alongside the most decorated female swimmer, the Olympian talked about how he views her as one of the best when it comes to freestyle swimming. But what really makes him say that? Let’s find out!

Bobby Finke affirms Katie Ledecky’s legacy post-Paris Olympics

In an August 14 interview with SwimSwam’s Coleman Hodges, Bobby Finke opened up the Paris Olympics and everything that came along with it. Hodges wanted to pick the 24-year-old’s brain though. “For you as someone who sees her [Katie Ledecky] operate every day, who trains with her, how do you contextualize that?” For the longest time, Ledecky has been an ace in the sport, and the world record holder agrees. 

Flashing a knowing smile, “I mean, it’s just nuts. I think the 4x100m relay that she did in Rio really summarizes like how amazing of an athlete she is… it wasn’t like she was like 53 high or something, like, she was 52… filthy!” It’s evident that everyone is a Ledecky fan. “I mean, Michael said it a bunch over, but she’s literally like the G.O.A.T. of freestyle swimming. Like people can claim like Ian Thorpe and whatever, like yeah, yeah, he was great, but like, look at Katie.” She has successfully concluded 4 Olympic berths, and her 14 medals have put her in a league of her own.

Hodges mentions how most distance swimmers seldom walk away victorious, but the 27-year-old seems to have swam against the tides. “I mean, you can’t argue with all of (what) she’s done for the sport. So yeah, I’m not even surprised too, but I’m also, like, still in shock of how incredible it is and how incredible she is.” Not only did she win the 800m freestyle event, but Ledecky went ahead and completed a 4 peat at the French capital, something only Michael Phelps has accomplished in the 200m IM.

Bobby Finke shares his disbelief over her performance in the finals on August 4. The 9x Olympic gold medalist made her return to Paris La Defense Arena for her signature event, the 800m freestyle. The defending champion was up against Australia’s Ariarne Titmus, who had every intention of claiming the title for herself. However, in a thrilling show of skill, the Aussie couldn’t keep up with the American. Ledecky made waves by claiming her 4th Olympic gold in the event with an impressive time of 8:11:04 seconds. Titmus trailed after her in 8:12:29 seconds, breaking the Oceanian record. 

One G.O.A.T. backing another at the French Capital

The Australia vs. America rivalry has been one of the most exciting in the swimming world. While Katie Ledecky bested Ariarne Titmus in the 800m freestyle event, her first event in the French capital wasn’t up to the mark, according to many. The two locked horns on July 27 in the 400m freestyle finals. But the Aussie cinched an easy lead from the get-go, claiming an easy win with a stellar time of 3:57:49 seconds. 17-year-old Summer McIntosh tried catching up to her but had to settle for a silver with 3:58.37 seconds.

While the American was poised as the favorite, she failed the Titmus test, coming up third in 4:00:86 seconds. The masses weren’t too pleased with her performance, but Michael Phelps reassured them there’s more to come. “Moving forward, she’s coming into her bread and butter events. The events she has dominated her whole career. This race will be something she will put behind her, and really start to generate that focus towards the upcoming events.” If you don’t believe his word, this might help.

Katie Ledecky’s time of 8:04.79 seconds at the 2016 Rio Olympics is still an 800m freestyle world record. The swimming legend was sure she would be able to find her way to the top step of the podium, and she went ahead and proved him right. Just like Finke, the 27-year-old successfully defended her Olympic title in the 1500m freestyle event at the French capital. To quote the American, that is just “filthy.” Do you agree with the 24-year-old? Let us know in the comments!