At the Toyota U.S. Swimming Championships, Katie Ledecky, Bobby Finke, and Gretchen Walsh each triumphed by securing their third event wins on Saturday, establishing themselves as key contenders for Team USA at the upcoming World Championships in Singapore. Ledecky maintained her dominance in the 1500m freestyle, marking a 15-year winning streak with a time of 15:36.76, outpacing her competition by over 25 seconds. She currently holds the fastest global times this year in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m frees, and if she excels in Singapore, she has a chance to approach Michael Phelps’ world title record.
Summer McIntosh, the 18-year-old Canadian and Olympic silver medalist in the 400m free, is expected to be Ledecky’s primary rival, particularly in the 800m freestyle. Walsh made headlines with her achievements in the 50m and 100m butterflies, along with the 50m freestyle, where she matched an American record of 23.91 seconds. Seeking her first major international title in a 50-meter pool, Walsh previously excelled in the short course championships.
Finke captured victories in the 800m and 1500m frees—events in which he earned Olympic gold—and the 400m individual medley, though he won’t race the latter at worlds. His aim is to be the first American man to win the 1500m at the World Championships since 1975.
In other results, Jack Alexy set the second-fastest U.S. time in the men’s 50m free, while Shaine Casas and Alex Walsh won their respective individual medley events. Highlights from the championships will air on NBC.
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