Katie Ledecky Puts Up World Leading 800 Free To Open TYR Pro Swim Series In Richmond

Katie Ledecky at 2018 US Nationals, Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

As expected, Katie Ledecky ran away from the rest of the field, taking the lead early to put up the #1 time in the world for 2019 with a 8:14.24. That puts the world record holder just ahead of China’s Wang Jianjiahe, who was ranked #1 with her recent Asian record from the 2019 Chinese Nationals. Second place went to Leah Smith, who posted a fantastic time of 8:16.33 to move to #3 in the world rankings.

Second place went to Leah Smith, who posted a fantastic time of 8:16.33 to move to #3 in the world rankings.

Notably, that is a lifetime best time for Smith. The 23-year old’s previous best was a 8:17.21 from the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships where she finished third behind Ledecky and Australian Ariarne Titmus. Titmus herself swam the 800 this week at the Australian National Championships, where she posted a time of 8:18.61, which currently ranks right behind Smith. Smith’s previous best from this year was an 8:29.10 from the Des Moines Pro Series meet.

2019 World Rankings

1) Katie Ledecky (USA), 8:14.24
2) Wang Jianjiahe (CHN), 8:14.64
3) Leah Smith (USA), 8:16.33
4) Ariarne Titmus (AUS), 8:18.61
5) Simona Quadarella (ITA), 8:25.55
6) Mireia Belmonte (ESP), 8:27.12
7) Madeleine Gough (AUS), 8:27.44
8) Kiah Melverton (AUS), 8:27.72
9) Li Bingjie (CHN), 8:27.96
10) Ajna Kesely (HUN), 8:28.19

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