Katie Ledecky Records Second-Fastest 1,500m Freestyle in Year’s First Race
Katie Ledecky continues her reign as a dominant force in the women’s 1,500-meter freestyle. On January 15, 2026, the 28-year-old American swimmer achieved the second-fastest time in history during a TYR Pro Series meet in Austin, Texas. Ledecky completed the race in 15 minutes and 23.21 seconds, only a few seconds shy of her own world record of 15:20.48, which she set in May 2018.
Katie Ledecky’s Record-Breaking Performance
In this latest event, Ledecky finished notably ahead of her competitors, many of whom were still completing their final lap as she touched the wall. This victory amplifies her unparalleled status, as she currently holds the top 12 times recorded in the women’s 1,500-meter freestyle event, along with 25 out of the highest 26 times ever recorded.
Her Impressive Consistency
- Ledecky’s 1,500-meter event winning streak has lasted for over 16 years.
- She remains undefeated in this event since July 2010 when she was just 13 years old.
- This latest time marks her second-best performance ever, surpassing her results from the previous year.
According to Ledecky, she had low expectations leading into the race, making her performance even more notable. “I’m really happy with that; it was faster than I was all last year,” she stated.
Previous Competitions
Ledecky last competed in this event at the previous year’s world championships, where she secured her sixth world title. The race saw Ledecky challenged by Italy’s Simona Quadarella, who finished second with a time of 15:31.79, the only non-Ledecky mark within the top 26 performances in this event’s history.
Future Outlook
Though Ledecky has faced increased competition in shorter distances, her grip on the 1,500-meter freestyle remains unchallenged. She recently recorded three of her top five times in the past three years, including a time of 15:24.51 in Fort Lauderdale last April, which now sits as the third-fastest time after her latest race. Ledecky’s recent result serves as a clear indication of her potential as a favorite for gold as preparations begin for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
