Katie Ledecky, Bobby Finke, and Gretchen Walsh each triumphed in their third events at the Toyota U.S. Swimming Championships, solidifying their spots for the World Championships set for July and August in Singapore. Ledecky extended her dominant 15-year win streak in the 1500m freestyle, completing the event in 15:36.76, over 25 seconds ahead of her competitors. This season, she holds the fastest times globally in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyles. If she wins these events and contributes to a victorious 4x200m relay at the Worlds, she will be just one title away from Michael Phelps’ record of 26.
Ledecky is also close to surpassing Ryan Lochte’s medal count at championships, with 26 total medals compared to Lochte’s 27. Her main competition will come from Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh, the second-fastest in the 800m freestyle. Meanwhile, Walsh claimed victories in the 50m and 100m butterflies and the 50m freestyle, tying the American record at 23.91 seconds. She aims for her first major international title in a 50-meter pool after an impressive performance at the 2022 short course championships.
Finke won the 800m and 1500m freestyles and the 400m individual medley at nationals. Although he will skip the IM at the World Championships, he aims to be the first American man to win the 1500m since 1975. Additionally, Jack Alexy set a fast time in the men’s 50m freestyle, becoming the second-fastest American ever. Overall, the championships’ highlights will air on NBC, showcasing the U.S. team’s promising talent.
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