Katie Ledecky once again affirmed her dominance in the women’s 1,500-meter freestyle at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, executing a performance that extended her stunning 15-year unbeaten streak in the event. On July 29, the 28-year-old American touched the wall in 15:26.44—securing her sixth world title at this distance and adding her 22nd world championship gold to bring her total medals to 28, second only to Michael Phelps in swimming history.
Italy’s Simona Quadarella delivered a career-best performance to claim silver with a time of 15:31.79, setting a new European record and becoming the second-fastest woman ever over 1,500 meters—even as she finished more than five seconds behind Ledecky. Australia’s Lani Pallister captured bronze in 15:41.18, rounding out a race that showcased the rising depth in distance events.
Though Ledecky swam below her own world-record pace for much of the race, she steadily maintained control and eased in the final 200 meters, showing mastery over her rivals who had challenged her earlier in the season. She praised Quadarella and Pallister afterward, noting how their performances push the sport forward: “That was an awesome swim from Simona. Second fastest performer ever. The distance races are really quick right now.”
The race held added significance as the United States team, beset early in the meet by an illness outbreak, found inspiration in Ledecky’s consistency. While star teammates such as Torri Huske, Gretchen Walsh, and Claire Weinstein had to withdraw from their events, Ledecky remained unaffected and elevated Team USA’s medal count and morale.
With her victory in Singapore, Ledecky extended an unparalleled legacy—having amassed eighteen of the twenty fastest times in history for the 1,500-meter freestyle and maintaining perfect form in that event at elite meets since. Her eighth career Olympic gold following Paris 2024 only adds to a résumé that continues to redefine greatness in the pool.
Looking ahead, Ledecky is scheduled to swim the 800-meter freestyle later in the week, where a much-anticipated showdown with Canada’s Summer McIntosh looms large. McIntosh recently challenged Ledecky’s world record in that event, raising questions about whether Ledecky’s reign can be extended further—or if a new challenger will rewrite the record books again.
As she reflected poolside, Ledecky spoke of her enduring love for the sport: “I really love it … It’s going to be hard for me to step away someday. Not any time soon. I’m just excited to see what I can do over the next few years to finish out my career on a high note.”
