The first highlight of the Paris Olympic Games in swimming took place at the Arena La Défense this Saturday, July 27. In the great battle between Ariarne Titmus, Katie Ledecky and Summer McIntosh, the last word went to the former. The Australian, impressively, retained her Olympic title in the 400m freestyle. The honorary title of greatest swimmer in history eludes, at least for a while, the American Ledecky.
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From our special correspondent at the Arena La Défense,
The hunt for records is not over, even though she already has a nice collection. Katie Ledecky, 26 times medalist at the World Swimming Championships (including 21 times in first place, an absolute record), has not finished her Olympic harvest which began in London in 2012, when she was only 15 years old.
The Americanwith its 10 medals including 7 gold before the start of the JO 2024is not yet the most successful swimmer in the history of the Games. Her compatriot Jenny Thomson, 12 times medalist including 8 gold medals between 1992 and 2004, is still ahead of her.
In Paris this summer, Katie Ledecky intends to wipe her elder sister off the books. But for her first attempt, it is a partial failure. In other words, a failure pure and simple for such a champion. As at the previous Tokyo Games, she got stuck in the 400m freestyle.
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Disappointed hopes
The Maryland native could count on massive support in the well-filled stands of the Arena La Défense. As is often the case, Team USA supporters had made the trip in droves. And everyone had only her name on their lips as they arrived in front of the doors of the temple of swimming. Liza, with a star-spangled banner on her shoulders and a matching headband, was sure of her favorite: ” I want to see her break another record. No doubt, she will win! »
Kristen, also a big fan of Ledecky, has the same confidence: “ She will make history by becoming the most decorated of all. » Even when talking about Tokyo 2021 and this second place over the distance, Kristen did not change her mind: ” This time she’s going to do it. »
The fans were undoubtedly seduced by the series played on Saturday morning. Katie Ledecky had dominated Ariarne Titmus, the reigning Olympic champion and 400m record holder, and Summer McIntosh, the 17-year-old Canadian prodigy. But the thing is, it’s especially in the final that you have to be the best. And like three years ago, Titmus tamed Ledecky.
Titmus relentless, Ledecky eyes the 800m and the 1,500m
The fight between the three favorites quickly turned in favor of the Australian, also very supported by fans dressed all in yellow and green. The fervor of Team USA did not make Ariarne Titmus falter (3’57”49). Summer McIntosh held her back for a long time, but Katie Ledecky was never able to challenge this implacable domination.
Disappointment therefore for the American who, admittedly, won an 11th Olympic medal by finishing in bronze behind Titmus, also known under the eloquent name of “Terminator”, and McIntosh. But she remains stuck at 7 gold medals. The story may only be postponed by a few days, because Ledecky still has to compete in the 800m freestyle and the 1,500m freestyle, distances in which she is this time the big favorite. Thomson’s record remains under threat.
This first evening of swimming gave pride of place to theAustralia. After Ariarne Titmus’ victory, Team Aussie rejoiced in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay, which also won ahead of the United States and China. The Americans consoled themselves with the men’s 4x100m relay, with which the king of Tokyo 2021, Caeleb Dresselwas impressive. The American quartet finished in gold ahead of Australia this time and Italy.