Race Video: Katie Ledecky Blasts an 8:13 in the 800 Free
Editorial content for the 2015 Arena Pro Swim Series Mesa is sponsored by Arena. For full Swimming World coverage, check out our coverage page
Katie Ledecky turned in one of the fastest 800-meter freestyles of all time on the final night at the Arena Pro Swim Series Mesa.
By the end of a swim that was under world-record pace through 500 meters, Ledecky had easily won the event title at the Skyline Aquatic Center.
Original report on 800 free:
NCAP’s Katie Ledecky was out under world-record pace at the 500-meter mark before settling in for a conservative time to win the women’s 800-meter free at the Arena Pro Swim Series Mesa.
Ledecky clocked in with an 8:13.02, the fourth fastest time all time. That’s not as fast as her world-leading 8:11.21 from the Austin stop of the Arena Pro Swim Series, but was more than enough for victory tonight.
That’s Ledecky’s fourth win in freestyle this week, having won the 200, 400, 800 and 1500 free here in Mesa.
NBAC’s Lotte Friis hit the wall second tonight in 8:31.65 to move to 16th in the world. Chile’s Kristel Kobrich captured third overall in 8:41.06.
Tucson Ford’s Tjasa Oder (8:48.28), The FISH’s Madelyn Donohoe (8:51.93), Guatemala’s Valerie Guest (8:51.98), Vien Nguyen (8:52.74) and Kirsten Jacobsen (8:53.69) also made their way into the top eight in the timed final event.
That’s Crazy!!!! well done