Wherever Katie Ledecky goes, she receives the largest cheer. This fact remains constant even after serving 12 years in a competitive sport like elite swimming. Today, a glimpse of it was present in the Lucas Oil Stadium as the veteran received an unimaginable ovation when she entered the arena for her 400m free event in the prelims. Remember, this event is often termed as highly anticipated in the swimming world because of the presence of swimming giants.

The majestic duo of Ariarne Titmus and Summer McIntosh has often dealt with top records in the event while keeping Katie at bay. In the Fukuoka World Aquatics Championships, Ariarne topped the podium, setting a new world record (3:55.38 minutes). Chasing her, Katie Ledecky had to remain satisfied with the second position (3:58.73 minutes). But in 2022, Katie took the crown in the Australian swimmer’s absence, whereas Summer breathed on her neck by remaining 1.24 seconds behind to touch the ultimate mark. Yet, in the American contests, Katie Ledecky has continued her domination in the 400m LC free event, being the last woman standing.

Now, the needle has turned to the Paris Olympics and both Ariarne and Summer have already availed their qualifications. In the meantime, when Katie Ledecky is on her way to punch the same ticket in the 400m free event, let’s analyze the comparison among these three swimmers.

In the 400m LC free final today, Katie Ledecky faced the challenge of Leah Smith and Paige Madden mainly. But with a full display of sheer domination, Katie touched the yellow line in 3:58.35 minutes, more than a second shorter than her prelims result. The result brought a thundering eruption of joy in the 20000 fans present in the NFL stadium turned into the swimming arena. Ultimately, the victory has now shifted her to the US flight for the Paris Olympics.

Furthermore, the result is phenomenal as this is the 30th time Katie has broken the 4-minute barrier in the 400m free event, much higher than her opponents Ariarne Titmus (12 times) and Summer McIntosh (7 times). But at the same time, a niggling factor may keep Katie worried as Ariarne recorded a lesser time (3:55.44) in the recently concluded Australian trial. Summer remains slightly behind (3:59.06). However, the record book explains several more realities. 

While Summer McIntosh is remaining in the third position in the pack now, in the Canadian Olympics swimming trials, she actually broke Ariarne Titmus’ record of 3:59.06 seconds. That may present a picture regarding the current competition among these three swimmers. However, in an overall standing of having the top timings in the 400m LC free in the women’s category, Ariarne Titmus can disappoint both Katie Ledecky and Summer McIntosh. 

In the all-time top performance list, Ariarne Titmus holds six timings, including her world record (3:55.38 minutes). Katie Ledecky will find herself having 3 best timings, whereas the 17-year-old Canadian swimmer comes with only one record. Still, the American behemoth has had her better days in the event of the Olympics. 

In Rio and Tokyo, Katie Ledecky churned out her medal-winning performances in the event. So despite lagging right now, a comeback chance from her can be in the cards always. After all, Katie is in no mood to give up. After winning the event today, she clarified her stand. 

Ledecky’s way ahead from here 

For Katie Ledecky, the 2024 Paris Olympics will be her fourth Olympics, a rare achievement. So naturally, it made the legend emotional after securing her Olympic ticket. But while replying to the host, the 27-year-old made sure to reflect on her gradual improvement. 

After taking a moment to describe the change in these 12 years, she responded, “ I was thinking back to my first 400 free trials in 2012 and I was right next to you. And I got the third place and this one said ‘you’ve got a lot ahead of you’ “. Firmly, she has moved forward since her initial days. However, a contrasting picture had shown up after her opponent, Summer McIntosh’s Olympic qualification for the 400m free event in May. 

In fuming over her 3:59.06 seconds, Summer said that her capabilities are far beyond that timing. “Overall, I’m gonna be honest, I’m not happy with that time,” the former world champion roared. Do these contrasting attitudes not set up the Paris Olympics 400m LC free contest nicely? What do you think?