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PARIS — It’s arguably the most highly anticipated swimming final of the Paris Games, and no one will have to wait very long to see it.
The women’s 400-meter freestyle will take place Saturday, with qualifying heats in the morning and the final to follow on the first night of the Olympic swimming program, featuring a field that includes three women who have owned the world record in this event.
Australian Ariarne Titmus, 23, is the defending Olympic gold medalist in the event and the favorite entering Saturday’s competition. American Katie Ledecky, 27, took gold in the 400 free in the previous Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Plus, the field includes 17-year-old Canadian phenom Summer McIntosh, who set the world record in the event in 2023 before Titmus re-set it.
“They’re great athletes, and I’ve had the chance to race them quite a few times over the years now — especially Summer, being in the U.S., training in the U.S.,” Ledecky said Wednesday. “It’s always fun to race the best.
“Those two have continued to raise the game and raise my game. I know that I have to bring my best. I think they know that they have to bring their best. I think that’s what you want in an Olympic race.”
Ledecky said while she likes…
