Katie Ledecky updates own world record in 1,500m freestyle

The crown went to American swimmer Katie Ledecky who stopped the watch at 15:25.48, updating the world record set previously by no one but herself. She was followed across the line by Lauren Boyle from the Netherlands who clocked 15:40.14. Hungarian swimmer Boglarka Kapas came third with a time of 14:47.09. 

“Am I disappointed that I failed to beat the world record? Honestly, such questions flatter me. It’s an honour for me to compete with the best athletes. Honestly, I still feel nervous ahead of every heat. No, I’m not disappointed at all. I don’t chase records at any cost”,  Katie Ledecky said on the first day of swimming competitions at the 16th FINA World Championships after winning the race in the women's 400m freestyle event.  

However, Katie managed to update the world record the very next day, but in another heat, the women's 1,500m freestyle.

“To be honest, it did feel pretty easy. I think breaking the record is just the testament to the work I put in, the shape I am in right now. I am quite shocked that I was able to do that,” Ledecky said to journalists.

“I've been training a lot in summer. I was barely focusing on the records this morning, I was just so relaxed. I feel incredible right now. My parents were there for me today and after the race I quickly spotted them on the stands. But I still have some more heats ahead of me; I need to keep working hard. I hope that I will do well in them too,” she added. 

The previous record lasted only 24 hours until Katie Ledecky herself set the new global best mark in the final.

FINA Worlds 2015. Swimming. 

Women. 1,500m freestyle 

1. Katie LEDECKY (USA) – 15:25.48

2. Lauren BOYLE (NED) – 15:40.14

3. Boglarka KAPAS (HUN) – 15:47.09

Kazan Arena Stadium. August 4.

Press Office of Organising Committee for 16th FINA World Championships