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Westmont Today
By the People, for the People
Ledecky Edges Out McIntosh in 800m Freestyle Showdown
American swimming legend maintains dominance over rising Canadian star at Pro Swim Series event.
Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:57am
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The intense rivalry between swimming legends Ledecky and McIntosh is captured in a dynamic, cubist-inspired illustration.Westmont TodayIn a highly anticipated matchup at the Pro Swim Series in Westmont, Illinois, 28-year-old American swimming icon Katie Ledecky defeated 19-year-old Canadian prodigy Summer McIntosh in the 800m freestyle event. Ledecky, a seven-time world champion in the event, finished nearly two seconds ahead of McIntosh, who was aiming to match Michael Phelps' record of winning five individual events at a single world championships but fell short in this race.
Why it matters
The rivalry between Ledecky and McIntosh is one of the most compelling storylines in competitive swimming. Ledecky's continued dominance over the rising Canadian star underscores her status as one of the greatest swimmers of all time, while McIntosh's impressive performance shows she is a force to be reckoned with and a potential successor to Ledecky's throne.
The details
Ledecky, who holds the world record in the 800m freestyle with a time of 1:53.73 set at the 2016 Rio Olympics, maintained her edge over McIntosh, who has been training under legendary coach Bob Bowman. McIntosh, who hails from Toronto, will have another chance to face Ledecky in the 200m freestyle on Friday, an event she hasn't competed in since the 2024 Canadian Olympic trials.
- The 800m freestyle event took place at the Pro Swim Series in Westmont, Illinois on April 12, 2026.
- Ledecky's victory comes on the heels of her triumph at the 2025 World Championships, where she claimed her record-breaking seventh world title in the 800m freestyle.
The players
Katie Ledecky
A 28-year-old American swimming legend who has dominated the 800m freestyle event, winning seven world titles and holding the world record in the event.
Summer McIntosh
A 19-year-old Canadian swimming prodigy who has been training under legendary coach Bob Bowman and was aiming to match Michael Phelps' record of winning five individual events at a single world championships.
What’s next
McIntosh will have another opportunity to face Ledecky in the 200m freestyle on Friday, an event she hasn't competed in since the 2024 Canadian Olympic trials.
The takeaway
The rivalry between Ledecky and McIntosh is one of the most compelling storylines in competitive swimming, with the American legend maintaining her dominance over the rising Canadian star. However, McIntosh's impressive performance suggests she is a formidable challenger who could one day surpass Ledecky's achievements.
