Lani Pallister Ends Katie Ledecky’s 800-Meter Freestyle Dominance at the Pan Pacific Championships

On Saturday night in Irvine, California, Australia’s Lani Pallister touched first in the women’s 800-meter freestyle in 8:06.10, erasing Katie Ledecky’s 2018 championship record. Ledecky, a four-time Olympic champion in the event, finished second in a season-best 8:07.26. Pallister led the race under world-record pace for much of the distance, delivering the first international loss for Ledecky in the 800 free since 2010.

Associated Press

Ledecky has dominated the 800-meter freestyle for over a decade, holding the Pan Pacific championship record since 2018. Her only prior defeat in an 800-free final had occurred at a domestic meet in February 2024, where she was edged out by Canada’s rising star Summer McIntosh. Pallister entered the meet as a strong contender, having posted a world-record-pace performance in the lead-up races.

The Independent

• 800 m freestyle: Pallister 8:06.10 (new championship record); Ledecky 8:07.26.

The Independent

• 50 m freestyle: Kate Douglass set a second world record of 23.19 seconds, improving on her own mark. She swam 23.49 in the prelims, beating teammate Gretchen Walsh (23.55).

The Independent

• 200 m breaststroke: Douglass placed second in 2:22.57, behind Canada’s Alexanne Lepage (2:21.73, lifetime best).

The Independent

• 4 × 100 m medley relay (women): United States won in a championship-record 3:50.43; Australia finished second in 3:55.09.

Associated Press

• 1,500 m freestyle: Sam Short (Australia) posted 14:33.97, the sixth-fastest time in history and broke Grant Hackett’s 24-year-old championship record.

Associated Press

• 200 m individual medley: Yu Yiting (China) set a championship record of 2:07.45; silver went to Canada’s Summer McIntosh (2:07.47) and bronze to Alex Walsh (2:07.66).

The Independent

Douglass, a five-time Olympic medalist, also anchored the U.S. women’s 4 × 100 m medley relay, contributing to the record-setting performance. In the men’s program, Australia’s Jamie Jack won the 50 m freestyle in a championship record 21.35, while the U.S. quartet of Will Modglin, Van Mathias, Luca Urlando, and Jack Alexy set a men’s 4 × 100 m medley relay record of 3:29.06.

Associated Press

Pallister described her focus and confidence heading into the race, emphasizing that the 800 m is her favorite event. Ledecky acknowledged the quality of her own swim, noting that she was “pretty happy” with a season best and that she intended to make the race “hard for Lani.” Douglass reflected on overcoming self-doubt, crediting her coaches and teammates for providing the energy needed to succeed in multiple events.

Associated Press

• “I was just so locked in and I’ve been really focused on what I want,” — Lani Pallister

Associated Press

• “I feel like I’m just a little bit shocked,” — Alexanne Lepage, of Canada

Associated Press