Katie Ledecky Romps To Victory In 800 Freestyle At U.S. Open
Katie Ledecky moved into the last month of the year behind another strong performance in the 800-meter freestyle, as she won the event in dominant fashion on the first night of the U.S. Open in Greensboro. Coming off her eighth USA Swimming Female Athlete of the Year honor at the Golden Goggles Awards, Ledecky prevailed in the 800 freestyle with a time of 8:13.90. The effort ranks 32nd in history.
The world-record holder in the event and three-time defending Olympic champion, Ledecky blasted to the front of the field and was never challenged. She went through the opening 200 meters in 2:00.12 and touched the wall at the midway point in 4:04.25. Although she fell off her early pace during the back half of the race, Ledecky finished 24 seconds clear of runnerup Michaela Mattes, who turned in a time of 8:37.89.
Throughout her career, Ledecky has ruled the 800 freestyle, compiling the 27-fastest times in history. Her performance on Thursday night marked her 30th sub-8:14 showing, which is something only she and Australian Ariarne Titmus (twice) have managed. Ledecky is scheduled to race the 200 freestyle, 400 freestyle and 1500 freestyle during the remainder of the U.S. Open, with the 400 free featuring a matchup with Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh.
In the men’s 800 freestyle, Guilherme Costa edged Alfonso Mestre in a down-to-the-wire finish. The Brazilian clocked in at 7:54.10, with Mestre going 7:54.80 for second place. Costa and Mestre were the only swimmers to crack the eight-minute barrier and were nearly dead even for the entire race.