Feb. 9 (UPI) — Katie Ledecky’s 13-year winning streak in 800-meter freestyle events has ended after Canadian Summer McIntosh edged the American swimming sensation by nearly 6 seconds at a sectionals meet in Orlando, Fla.
McIntosh beat Ledecky to the wall of the pool Thursday at the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center. The 17-year-old clinched the upset with a time of 8 minutes, 11.39 seconds — a Canadian record for the event. Ledecky clocked an 8:17.12.
Brinkleigh Hansen, a 14-year-old American, finished third (8:47.12).
Ledecky, a 10-time Olympic medalist with seven golds, hadn’t lost an 800-meter freestyle since 2010. She still has the 16 fastest times in the history of the women’s event, including the world record (8:04.79), which she set at the 2016 Summer Games.
The 26-year-old swimming sensation also won gold in the 800M at the 2012 and 2020 Summer Games. She is expected to attempt to become the first woman to win four-consecutive gold medals in Olympic swimming this summer in Paris.
McIntosh, who also is expected to compete in Paris, made her Olympic debut at the 2020 Summer Games. She finished fourth in the 400-meter freestyle, setting the Canadian record with a time of 4:02.42.
She also was part of the 4×200-meter relay team, which also set a Canadian record and finished fourth. She did not advance to the 800-meter final at the 2020 Summer Games.
The 2024 Summer Games will be held July 26 to Aug. 11.
