Ledecky Outduels McIntosh as Resurgent Team USA Silences Critics in Singapore

AFP | Singapore

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Katie Ledecky reaffirmed her dominance in the 800m freestyle, edging out Summer McIntosh in a thrilling final at the World Championships yesterday, as the United States roared back with a record-breaking performance in Singapore.

Despite battling illness throughout the meet, the U.S. team silenced doubters on a “Super Saturday,” with Ledecky securing her seventh career world title in her signature event. The 28-year-old finished in a championship-record time of 8:05.62, narrowly ahead of Australia’s Lani Pallister (8:05.98) and Canada’s Summer McIntosh (8:07.29).

It marked McIntosh’s first defeat of the championships, ending her quest to equal Michael Phelps' record of five individual golds at a single World Championships. The 18-year-old phenom already has three golds and will aim for a fourth in the 400m medley on Sunday.

“The feeling right now is something I never want to feel again,” said a visibly disappointed McIntosh after the race.

Ledecky, who has long reigned over the 800m distance, acknowledged the fierce competition.

“They pushed me all the way,” said the four-time Olympic champion. “I’m just really happy I could put that together. I kept telling myself to trust my legs.”

The victory capped a triumphant day for Team USA, which had come under scrutiny from Olympic legends like Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. The Americans responded with three golds — courtesy of Ledecky, Gretchen Walsh, and their mixed 4x100m freestyle relay team, which also set a world record.

With eight golds, the U.S. surged past Australia to top the medals table heading into the final day of competition.