Katie Ledecky Seeking Hardware History at World Champs; Caeleb Dressel and Sarah Sjostrom Also on Chase
Editorial content for the 2022 FINA World Championships coverage is sponsored by eo SwimBETTER.
See full event coverage.
Swim faster... faster, with game-changing data insight into your technique. eolab.com #eoSwimBETTER
Katie Ledecky Seeking Hardware History at World Champs; Caeleb Dressel and Sarah Sjostrom Also on Chase
Just before the start of the FINA World Championships in Budapest, only three athletes in history have collected 20 medals during various editions of the global competition. Not surprising, Michael Phelps leads the way with 33 medals, with longtime rival Ryan Lochte sitting in the No. 2 position with 27 medals. Meanwhile, Natalie Coughlin tallied 20 medals during her career.
However, that exclusive club could double by the time action concludes at the Duna Arena, thanks to the presence of two Americans and a Swede.
Distance star Katie Ledecky heads to Budapest with 18 career medals at the World Championships and is almost sure to hit the 20-medal mark – and beyond. Ledecky will contest the 400-meter freestyle, 800 freestyle and 1500 freestyle at Worlds, and will be the favorite for gold in each race. More, Ledecky will see duty as a member of the United States’ 800 freestyle relay, which will be in the mix for the podium.
Ledecky’s compatriot, Caeleb Dressel, owns 15 career medals from the World Champs, and a busy schedule will allow the sprint star to reach 20 medals if his meet unfolds according to plan. Dressel will be the favorite for solo titles in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 50 butterfly and 100 butterfly, and he will be a key component to several American relays.
Meanwhile, Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom could become the first non-American to reach 20 medals at the World Championships, as she currently boasts 17 medals. Sjostrom has looked sharp in preparation for Worlds and will be a leading medal contender in the 50 freestyle, 100 free, 50 butterfly and 100 fly – if she chooses to tackle that crowded slate.
I think our Aussie girls will give Katie some stiff competition in some of the freestyle events! They are on the way up too, especially since the Olympics in Tokyo.
Titmus is the only Aussie that would challenge her. Ledecky will sweep the 400, 800, and 1500.