By: Grace Zhang

“25 year-old Katie Ledecky had another incredible victory in the 400-meter freestyle at the Duna Arena in Budapest. While many spectators got caught up watching 15-year-old Canadian swimmer in the lane next to Ledecky, Ledecky makes a conscious effort to not fixate on her competition. This self-focus has allowed her to become the greatest female distance swimmer of all time and a seven time Olympic gold medalist.”

In order to rise to this point, Ledecky needed; a fast time, which for Ledecky was 3 minutes and 58.15 seconds. A goal setting, such as what she wanted to work towards and achieve. This may be one of the more important things to keep in mind. And another gold medal at world championships, adding to her other fifteen, which is a whopping five more than any other female swimmer.

Ledecky says “ I’m always just trying to improve… we kind of set out this year [without] setting any time goals, just trying to improve each meet, and so far I’ve done that, so that’s pretty good. I wanted to push to the point of pain tonight.”

The 15 year-old Canadian prodigy, in the lane beside Ledecky, came in at 3 minutes 59.39 seconds, just one second after Ledecky! This prodigy’s name is Summer McIntosh. McIntosh and Ledecky were head to head with 100 meters to go, when Ledecky delivered a final fulfilling kick, earning herself first place. Ledecky stated “I was a little nervous. McIntosh hung in there the whole time, so she definitely pushed me a lot.”

Some people wanted to see Ledecky beat Australian sensation, Titmus, with a record of 3 minutes and 56.40 seconds.

While Ledecky wasn’t able to do that, she beat her own record.

Many now say it may not only be Titmus and Ledecky in the running to earn the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, but McIntosh may be making her way down the path to as well.