Katie Ledecky moves up to 2nd in all-time world championships medal ladder
Katie Ledecky took gold in 15 min 26.44sec to win her 22nd world title.
SINGAPORE – In just over 15 minutes at the World Aquatics Championships (WCH) Arena in Kallang on July 29, Katie Ledecky showcased to the packed Singapore crowd why she is undoubtedly one of the greatest long-distance swimmers of all time.
In the 1,500m freestyle final, the world record holder was in a league of her own from start to finish, taking gold in 15min 26.44sec to win her 22nd world title.
The legendary American's total of 28 world championship medals also surpassed fellow American Ryan Lochte's tally (27), and she is now second only to compatriot Michael Phelps' all-time record of 33.
Wearing a huge grin after the medal ceremony, Ledecky, 28, said she was not aware of those numbers when asked if she would now be turning her attention to chasing Phelps' record.
'Well, I mean, Michael's the best. He's the standard in our sport and that's not something that I'm chasing,' said Ledecky, after securing her sixth world title in the event.
'I don't know what the numbers are really. I don't really keep track.
'I'm just taking it one race at a time and putting my best foot forward each race, and whatever happens, happens.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Business No clarity yet on baseline or pharmaceutical tariffs with US: DPM Gan
Singapore Grace Fu apologises for Tanjong Katong sinkhole, says road may stay closed for a few more days
Singapore Terrorism threat in Singapore remains high, driven by events like Israeli-Palestinian conflict: ISD
Singapore Liquidators score victory to recoup over $900 million from alleged scammer Ng Yu Zhi's associates
Singapore Man on trial for raping woman who hired him to repair lights in her flat
Sport IOC president Kirsty Coventry a 'huge supporter' of Singapore
Singapore Child and firefighter among 7 taken to hospital after fire breaks out in Toa Payoh flat
Singapore S'pore can and must meaningfully apply tech like AI in a way that creates jobs for locals: PM Wong
'But of course, growing up, it was very inspiring to watch world championships and the Olympic Games that Michael was in and I was trying to learn from the very best.
' I was always a student of the sport and so to watch his countless gold medals and world championships, Olympic wins was always very inspiring. We've talked a lot this week as a team about the legacy of USA Swimming, and we all want to be a part of that and we want to carry that on.'
A legacy is certainly what Ledecky has in the 1,500m event, in which she has set the world record six times. It now stands at 15:20.48.
On July 29, her rivals once again were left trailing in her wake.
Katie Ledecky of USA clinched gold in the 1500m freestyle finals.
ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Finishing over five seconds adrift was silver medallist Simona Quadarella of Italy, whose 15:31.79 made her the second-quickest swimmer ever in the event – though it is still slower than 11 of Ledecky's times.
Australia's Lani Pallister faded to take bronze in 15:41.18 while Singapore's Gan Ching Hwee finished seventh (16:03.51).
Gan, who earlier in the day withdrew from the 200m freestyle heats to focus on the 1,500m race, is the first Singaporean female swimmer to qualify for a world championship final since Tao Li finished seventh in the 50m butterfly in 2007.
Gan Ching Hwee in the Women's 1500m freestyle finals on July 29.
ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
On July 28, she smashed two national records to finish fourth out of 27 athletes and clinch a spot in the 1,500m freestyle final.
Gan was delighted with her effort, noting that a few weeks ago, she would not have thought that it was possible for her to make a final.
'I think what I've taken away from this is really to trust my training. Sometimes things don't always go perfectly, like even tonight's race, I don't think it was anywhere near perfect, but it's always a learning journey, and that's sports,' said the 22-year-old, who will next compete in the 800m freestyle heats on Aug 1.
Gan's swim came in front of a packed crowd that included President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam watches the women's 1500m freestyle swimming event during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.
ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
She also earned praise from Ledecky, who said: 'I know she has competed in the NCAA (for) Indiana (University) and so a lot of my teammates have swum with her and speak very highly of her. I was really happy to see her do so well.'
Meanwhile, Australian star Kaylee McKeown also made it a night to remember as she edged out American rival Regan Smith to win her first gold in Singapore and her fifth world championship title.
Kaylee McKeown of Australia clinched Gold at the 100m women's backstroke finals.
ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
McKeown's 13th overall medal came in the 100m backstroke when she touched home in 57.16sec to pip Smith by 0.19sec. Another American, Katharine Berkoff, was third in 58.15.
In the men's 200m freestyle, Romanian David Popovici overcame his mental struggles to win gold, telling the media afterwards that he had almost pulled out of the event.
The 20-year-old Paris Olympic champion, who clocked 1:43.53 to beat American Luke Hobson (1:43.84) and Japan's Tatsuya Murasa (1:44.54), said: 'Frankly, just one or two days before the competition I wanted to pull out. I just wasn't feeling well.
'It wasn't the fear of competing or losing, it was the fear of... reaching your own potential. That's very scary.
'And so I'm really glad I didn't quit.'
Asked how close he had come to withdrawing, Popovici said: 'I started looking for flights back.
'It was a mental thing and it had to do with the fear of seeing my real potential.'
Pieter Coetze of South Africa claimed his first world title in 51.85sec in the men's 100m backstroke, while Germany's Anna Elendt pulled off a stunning swim from Lane 1 to win the women's 100m breaststroke in 1:05.19.
American Kate Douglass settled for silver in 1:05.27, ahead of Tang Qianting of China (1:05.64).
Meanwhile, Beijing was confirmed as the host for the 2026 short-course world championships during the World Aquatics General Congress in Singapore on July 29.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Haiti businessman takes over presidency as gangs threaten transition
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox PORT-AU-PRINCE - Haitian businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr took over his country's leadership on Thursday, the last phase of its transition before it is mandated to hand power to a democratically elected successor, but a top gang leader threatened to topple the precarious government. Saint-Cyr was inaugurated at a ceremony at the capital's Villa d'Acceuil, the temporary seat of power after downtown Port-au-Prince became too insecure. He called on foreign allies to do more to help local security forces that have struggled to prevent heavily armed gangs from gaining power and territory. "I invite all international partners to increase their support, send more soldiers, provide more training," Saint-Cyr said at the ceremony. "I am asking the security forces to intensify their operations." A U.N.-backed security force led by Kenyan police deployed to Haiti a year ago but it has struggled with a lack of personnel and resources. The council has said it has recently contracted a private military company to assist. Bursts of gunfire were heard in parts of the capital on Thursday morning, as Jimmy "Barbeque" Cherizier, who leads the Viv Ansanm coalition of gangs that now controls most of the capital, threatened to disrupt the transition. "We have decided to march on the Premier's office and the Villa d'Accueil to end it all," Cherizier said in a video shared on social media. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Liquor licences for F&B, nightlife venues extended to 4am in Boat Quay, Clarke Quay Singapore Chikungunya cases in Singapore double; authorities monitoring situation closely Singapore Student found with vape taken to hospital after behaving aggressively in school; HSA investigating Asia Cambodia, Thailand agree on Asean observers monitoring truce, but fundamental differences remain Asia Trump ratchets up tariff pressure on India, sparking despair among exporters and growth fears Singapore CDC and SG60 vouchers listed on e-commerce platforms will be taken down: CDCs Asia Australia's purchase of Japanese frigates signals a new era for Indo-Pacific security Singapore Some ageing condos in Singapore struggle with failing infrastructure, inadequate sinking funds The inauguration ceremony ended without disruption, however. In the nearby suburb of Petion-Ville, one of the last pockets of the capital still largely outside gang control, residents marched towards the Villa d'Acceuil in white shirts carrying printed signs in support of Saint-Cyr. The U.N.-backed force said it had thwarted plots to "disrupt national stability and render the country ungovernable" in the early hours of Thursday. Three of its officers were briefly hospitalized after two patrolling armed vehicles came under attack by Molotov cocktails and were set ablaze, it said. MONEY, RACE AND POWER Saint-Cyr, who sat on a prior transition council during the premiership of Ariel Henry, took over from former central bank chief Fritz Alphonse Jean, marking a shift to the right for the unpopular nine-member council. Saint-Cyr represents Haiti's private sector on the council, which consists of leaders from different society groups. Prime Minister Alix-Didier Fils-Aime is also from Haiti's business class. Both he and Saint-Cyr are mixed-race, and some Haitians have raised concerns of power concentrating in the hands of the former French colony's wealthy, lighter-skinned economic elite. The council, which took power in April last year through a deal brokered by Washington and Caribbean leaders with Haiti's warring political factions, has been criticized by police and protesters for failing to seriously address the security crisis. Three of its members were accused last year of corruption but remained in their posts. They denied wrongdoing. Saint-Cyr's term runs until February 7, 2026, when the council's mandate is set to end and a newly elected president be inaugurated, although it is unclear if elections called for November will be able to take place. Political analysts have warned that rushed elections could further empower the armed gangs and Viv Ansanm has already announced itself as a political party. Viv Ansanm (Living Together) has been accused by rights groups of widespread human rights abuses including mass killings, rapes, extortion, ransom kidnappings, and drug and organ trafficking. Washington has designated it a terrorist organization. More than 1.3 million Haitians are internally displaced and many are living in makeshift camps. The conflict has pushed thousands into famine-level hunger and more than 3,100 people were killed in the first six months of this year alone. Alongside Gaza and South Sudan, Haiti is among the U.N. food agency's hotspots of highest concern. REUTERS
New Paper
2 hours ago
- New Paper
Dentist and engineer wife jailed over shop theft at Changi Airport
While in transit at Changi Airport, a dentist went to two stores to steal a luxury brand card holder and a bottle of perfume, which together cost more than $750. His engineer wife kept a lookout during one such incident. American nationals Kapadia Husain Zoher, 35, and Kapadia Amatullah, 30, committed the offences while they were waiting for their connecting flight to India on June 23. The married couple managed to board the Mumbai-bound plane but were caught before it took off. On Aug 4, he was sentenced to 18 days' jail after he pleaded guilty to a theft charge. His wife, who pleaded guilty to a similar charge, was sentenced to a week in jail. At around 5pm on June 23, Kapadia Husain Zoher entered a Louis Vuitton store at the airport's Terminal 1, said State Prosecuting Officer (SPO) Ng Chee Wee. The offender then took a card case holder worth around $600, slipped it into his pocket and left without paying for it. CCTV cameras inside the store caught him committing the offence, the court heard. The couple then went to Cosmetics & Perfumes by The Shilla at the airport's Terminal 3 shortly before 5.40pm that day. Kapadia Husain Zoher then took a bottle of Dior Sauvage perfume worth around $160 and slipped it into his pocket, while his wife acted as a lookout. They left the scene soon after without paying for it. A CCTV camera inside the store also caught him stealing the item. The police were notified and officers managed to establish his identity. SPO Ng said: "(Kapadia Husain Zoher) had stolen the case holder out of greed. He had a habit of overspending, and he did not want to pay for the case holder." Both stolen items were recovered and returned to the respective stores. For each count of theft, an offender can be jailed for up to seven years and fined.
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Straits Times
Russia makes new protest to Italy in dispute over cancelled Gergiev concert
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Russia said on Thursday it had made a new protest to Italy in a dispute over the cancellation of a concert in Italy where Valery Gergiev, a renowned Russian conductor with a record of support for President Vladimir Putin, had been due to perform. The concert near Naples was scrapped last month following a storm of criticism, including from the widow of late Russian dissident Alexei Navalny who called Gergiev an "accomplice" of Putin. Italy's culture minister had said the event risked becoming a "sounding board for Russian propaganda". Moscow registered an initial protest on July 23, accusing Italy of discrimination, cancel culture and caving in to anti-Russian lobbying. On Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it had summoned the Italian chargé d'affaires two days ago to complain about an "ongoing anti-Russian campaign" in Italy that it said was aggravating a crisis in bilateral relations. The ministry said Italy had reacted disproportionately to what it called Moscow's rejection of "some odious statements by high-ranking representatives of the Italian government directed against Russia." It added, without providing examples, that Italian media had published false stories and carried out "Russophobic attacks with the full support of Italian ruling circles". The case highlights Russia's fury at the shunning by the West of some of its leading artists in the wake of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Liquor licences for F&B, nightlife venues extended to 4am in Boat Quay, Clarke Quay Singapore Chikungunya cases in Singapore double; authorities monitoring situation closely Singapore Student found with vape taken to hospital after behaving aggressively in school; HSA investigating Asia Cambodia, Thailand agree on Asean observers monitoring truce, but fundamental differences remain Asia Trump ratchets up tariff pressure on India, sparking despair among exporters and growth fears Singapore CDC and SG60 vouchers listed on e-commerce platforms will be taken down: CDCs Asia Australia's purchase of Japanese frigates signals a new era for Indo-Pacific security Singapore Some ageing condos in Singapore struggle with failing infrastructure, inadequate sinking funds Gergiev has conducted orchestras at the world's leading concert halls but found himself unwelcome in the West after the start of the war. Milan's La Scala, the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and New York's Carnegie Hall were among those to sever ties with him over his failure to condemn it. He is now head of Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre and St. Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre. Gergiev has drawn strong criticism from opponents of Putin for performing over the years at events with political overtones, including in 2016 at a concert in the ruins of Palmyra in Syria after Russia intervened in Syria's civil war on the side of Syria's then-president, Bashar al-Assad. REUTERS
