The remarkable event took place in Orlando, USA, on Thursday. Canadian 17-year-old Summer McIntosh won in 8.11.39, bettering her personal best by nine seconds and setting a Canadian record.
After the finish, McIntosh was expressionless while the comments on social media were all the stronger.
– That time had won gold in the Olympics in Tokyo, exclaimed one viewer on swimming site SwimSwam.
26-year-old Ledecky’s time was 8.17.12, to be compared with the world record 8.04.79. Before the race in Orlando, Ledecky, who has 21 World Championship golds, had 29 best times over the distance – something that has now dropped to 16.
“Must send a text and congratulate”
Ledecky has won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 800 meters and, with a win in Paris this summer, would become the first woman to win gold in four consecutive Olympics. Ledecky has six straight WC golds in the distance.
Neither Ledecky nor McInTosh will be in the WC in Doha, which begins on Sunday. Ledecky’s loss has become a big talking point in Doha.
– I have some friends on the Canadian team, and I know Summer quite well. I have to text her and congratulate her, says the American Hunter Armstrong, who is looking to defend his 50m backstroke title in Doha, to ESPN.