What has for long been considered a formality has now become reality.
Katie Ledecky, the greatest women’s distance swimmer in history, secured the top spot on the U.S. women’s side in the 800m freestyle, winning the event with a time of 8 minutes, 14.12 seconds.
In every Olympics since 2012, Ledecky has not just featured in the race — she has won every edition of it. The seven-time Olympic gold medalist is the current world record holder in the race, set in 2016 with a time of 8:04.79.
The trials victory for Ledecky was dominant, as one would expect from past performances. She beat Paige Madden by more than six seconds. Madden was ahead of third-place Jillian Cox by just 2.26 seconds.
The race is now on for Paris. Ledecky’s cruise-control victory sets up perhaps the most anticipated race in the 2024 Paris Olympics, with Australia’s Ariarne Titmus, Canada’s Summer McIntosh and Ledecky all vying for the gold medal.
Sporting News tracked live results and highlights from Ledecky’s 800-meter freestyle race at the 2024 Olympic trials. Follow for updates from Saturday’s race.
MORE: Watch Katie Ledecky swim the 800-meter free live with Fubo (free trial)
Women’s 800-meter free results
| Place | Swimmer | Time |
| 1 | Katie Ledecky | 8:14.12 |
| 2 | Paige Madden | 8:20.71 |
| 3 | Jillian Cox | 8:22.97 |
| 4 | Aurora… |
