Cruise Control: Katie Ledecky Clocks Second-Fastest Women's 1500m Freestyle Of All-Time | WATCH

Last Updated:January 15, 2026, 12:56 IST

Katie Ledecky won the 1500m freestyle at the Austin Pro Swim Series in 15:23.21, setting the second-fastest time ever.

US Swimmer Katie Ledecky in action (X)

Katie Ledecky reminded the swimming world she’s still in a league of her own, clocking the second-fastest women’s 1500m freestyle in history to dominate the US Pro Swim Series opener in Austin on Wednesday.

The nine-time Olympic champion cruised to victory in 15:23.21, finishing more than a minute clear of 16-year-old Brinkleigh Hansen, with Becca Mann third.

While she didn’t threaten her own world record of 15:20.48, Ledecky surged late to better the previous second-fastest time she set last year.

At 28, and with Olympic golds from Tokyo and Paris already secured in the 1500m, Ledecky showed no signs of slowing as LA 2028 looms.

She now owns 12 fastest times ever in the event and is the only woman to break 15:30 — doing it 10 times.

Elsewhere, Olympic stars also impressed. Bobby Finke won the men’s 1500m free, while Summer McIntosh and Leon Marchand topped their respective 200m individual medley semifinals. World record-holder Regan Smith claimed the women’s 100m backstroke, and Germany’s Anna Elendt took the 100m breaststroke.

(with AFP inputs)

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