A Statistical Appreciation of Katie Ledecky’s Distance Dominance
As we near the start of the Commonwealth Games, followed by action at the European Championships and Pan Pacific Championships, we figured it was an appropriate time to provide a quick statistical look at the distance dominance of Katie Ledecky. The American star, who has won four consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 800-meter freestyle, has dominated the distance scene like no other.
Ledecky first emerged on the international scene at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where she claimed the gold medal and defeated reigning titlist and world-record holder Rebecca Adlington of Great Britain. In the decade-plus since, Ledecky has furthered her legacy in dynamic fashion. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that she’s 11 seconds faster than anyone in history in the 1500 freestyle.
Below is a breakdown of Ledecky’s performances in the 400 freestyle, 800 freestyle and 1500 freestyle, listing how many times she has dipped under specific barriers. The lists also include Ledecky’s closest pursuers, with performances updated through July 7.
400 Freestyle (Sub-4:00 Performances)
- Katie Ledecky – 35
- Summer McIntosh – 13
- Ariarne Titmus – 13
- Lani Pallister – 4
- Li Bingjie – 2
- Erika Fairweather – 2
- Federica Pellegrini – 1
800 Freestyle (Sub-8:10 Performances)
- Katie Ledecky – 14
- Summer McIntosh – 3
- Lani Pallister – 1
1500 Freestyle (Sub-15:40 Performances)
- Katie Ledecky – 32
- Simona Quadarella -1
- Lotte Friis – 1
- Lani Pallister – 1
As all of us that are/were swimmers or coaches a swimmer like Katie comes along every once in a while.. She was born with a special mind and body which were a gift from Above. She has a special body and mind which has allowed her to preform to a standard well above the average..In Swimming every once in a while a special human is born with a special gift in mind and body. The gift in the body allow Katie to work well above average every day. She works harder than most, has a much higher tolerance for pain and fatigue. These are gifts than are above the average. She is also smart and has mastered goal setting so that works very hard and is healthy so that ever workout is done very close to a 100 % effort. Her mind set it most unusual as she like any human has some bad days in the pool. However she is very goal orientated and nothing get in her path that will move her off that path. Her posititve attitude keeps her heart, mind and especially her body on the track to achieve the goal that she set for herself. Her ability to set and work every day to achieve it is the secret or path way to achievement of that goal.. She has special talent however most important she knows how to stay on that even when she has a less than perfect. Her success is a combination of body and mind.. Both are working a 100% to achieve the goal and move on to the next one…