Australia's Lani Pallister handed Katie Ledecky her first 800m freestyle defeat at a major international meet, winning at the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California, with a new championship record.
Key facts
- Lani Pallister won the 800m freestyle in 8:06.10, a new championship record.
- Katie Ledecky finished second in 8:07.26.
- The result ended Ledecky's streak of 13 international 800m gold medals.
- The race took place at the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California.
- Pallister led wire-to-wire and Ledecky's late charge was not enough.
Australia’s Lani Pallister dealt US great Katie Ledecky her first 800m freestyle defeat at a major international meet, beating her one-time idol at the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California, according to the Guardian.
Pallister led wire-to-wire on the way to victory in 8min 06.10sec, setting a new championship record in the event.
Ledecky finished second in 8:07.26. For the first time ever in the event, the American’s trademark late charge was not enough to overhaul her rival.
The result ended Ledecky’s streak of 13 international 800m gold medals, a mark that had defined her dominance of the distance for years.
The Guardian reported that Pallister had once idolised Ledecky, adding significance to the win over the swimmer she long admired.
Why it matters
Katie Ledecky has been the defining figure in women's distance freestyle for more than a decade, and her 800m record at major meets had appeared untouchable. Pallister's victory signals a shift at the top of the event and a landmark moment for Australian swimming.
Frequently asked questions
What time did Lani Pallister swim to win the 800m freestyle?
Pallister won in 8min 06.10sec, a new championship record, according to the Guardian.
How did the result affect Katie Ledecky's record?
The defeat ended Ledecky's streak of 13 international 800m gold medals. She finished second in 8:07.26.
Where was the race held?
The race took place at the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California.