Fort Lauderdale Open to Welcome Collection of Olympians; Katie Ledecky Returning to Site of Latest World Record
Nearly a year ago, Katie Ledecky and Gretchen Walsh highlighted the Fort Lauderdale stop of the TYR Pro Series with world-record performances. While Ledecky broke her own global standard in the 800-meter freestyle, Walsh blasted a pair of world records in the 100 butterfly. Both women will be back in action in South Florida later this month, racing at the Fort Lauderdale Open.
The Fort Lauderdale Open will be held from April 29-May 2 at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, and a sensational field of Olympians will headline the entries. In addition to the return of Ledecky and Walsh to the tradition-rich facility, which has featured 13 world records in its existence, France’s Leon Marchand and Canada’s Summer McIntosh are slated to compete. At the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Marchand and McIntosh combined for seven individual gold medals.
A year ago, Ledecky went 8:04.12 to break her 2016 world record in the 800 freestyle. The performance was a jumpstart toward the World Championships, where Ledecky won gold in the 800 freestyle and 1500 freestyle. As for Walsh, she went 54.60 in the final of the 100 butterfly, an effort that also paved her way to a world title.
Other Olympians who have committed to the meet include Simone Manuel, Bobby Finke, Regan Smith, Kate Douglass, Luke Hobson, Alex Walsh, Shaine Casas, Carson Foster, Chris Guiliano and Caeleb Dressel.