Katie Ledecky Wins 800m Freestyle To Sign Off TYR Pro Series 2024

Since her inception in the swimming realm, one thing Katie Ledecky has always tried to mention is the fun quotient. In a conversation organized by the Association for Women in Sports Media, the reigning world champion in 800m free exuded, “It’s a pretty fun thing to be able to do every day.” That fun thing once had faced an impasse in the Gwangju World Championship. At the last moment, Katie Ledecky had limited options to choose only one from the 1500 and 800m free as sickness bent her. Ledecky went on with 800m free. 

End of the day, the victorious American swimmer had added, “I know how to swim a 800 free. That’s what I was telling myself.” Now, in 2024, she faced another tryst with her 800m free love. 

Katie Ledecky intrigues the 800m free event 

On day 4 of the TYR Pro Swim Series 2024, Katie Ledecky was up for another long-distance swimming love affair. This time the event was 800 LC m free. It was a phenomenal moment for the 3x Olympic champion in 800m free to post her comeback after facing a defeat in 400m IM on day 3 in Knoxville.

Ledecky started her 800m sprint, obliterating the previous day’s experience. Eventually, in the final of 800m free, she grabbed the top position, beating Paige Madden.

As USA Swimming News unveiled the list of the podium finishers with timeframes, the detail read, “FINAL: 1. Katie Ledecky, 8:14.97   2. Paige Madden, 8:27.64  3. Jillian Cox, 8:28.00”

Katie Ledecky’s clocking was nowhere near her Rio Olympics record timing, 8:04.79. But it was enough to start the Olympics season on a wonderful note, cleaning the opponent with a gaping of 10 seconds.

However, the fabled opponent Paige Madden also took an honor as her timing (8:27.64) was almost 20 seconds above the US Olympics 2024 trial time. For the 800m free in the women’s category, the built-up time is 8:45.79. That was the wrap for Katie Ledecky on the Olympic season-opening event. 

The takeouts 

In the last few seasons, Katie Ledecky had to face steady opposition from the American swimmer, Katie Grimes, in the 800m free event. The touted ‘Katie squared’ started it during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics trial. Now on the way to the Paris Olympics, the teenage swimmer recorded 8:21.87 last year as her best attempt. However, that was way below Katie Ledecky’s 800m free record. But Grimes’ clocking sent a huff of puff among the swimming fans to put her side. 

Read more: Swimming Fans Witness History Live as Katie Ledecky Battles Lilly King in 400M IM at TYR Pro Series 2024

So, on that perspective, Katie Ledecky’s day 4 clocking in 800m free in Knoxville felt ahead again. Moreover, the event solidified Paige Madden’s name in the ultimate 800m opponents’ list.

Watch this story: Olympic Legends Simone Phelps, Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky Hangout With Gold Medals Around Their Neck