RACE VIDEO: Watch Katie Ledecky Break World Record in 400 Free at U.S. Nationals

Katie Ledecky remains the only swimmer to break a World Record on American soil since 2009, adding to her count with the 400 free on Saturday night in Irvine, California at the 2014 U.S. National Championships.

Almost as impressive was 18-year old Cierra Runge, who took 2nd in 4:04.57. That was the 4th-best time by a 17-18 in American history in this event.

The Georgia Bulldogs went 1-2 in the B-Final, with Amber McDermott leading wire-to-wire for a win in 4:08.90 out of lane 2, and Jordan Mattern placing 2nd in 409.66. The C Final, for 18 & under swimmers, was won by Madison Homovich of the North Carolina Aquatic Club in 4:12.77.

A Final (Katie Ledecky, NCAP, lane 4, 3:58.86)

B Final (Amber McDermott, Georgia, Lane 2, 4:08.90)

C Final (Madison Homovich, North Carolina Aquatic CLub, lane 6, 4:12.77)

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FRENCHTEAMFAN
9 years ago

What a tremendous performance by ledecky. She is going to win 200,400,800 at Rio and it will be historic. To my mind, I think now she could swim 3.51/3.52 during winter, and of course under 8minutes at the 800free.
Mireia won’t swim very fast for me at Berlin. The 400 is at the end of the meeting and she’s going to be tired. Don’t forget that she swims butterfly freestyle (800/1500) and medley …. Look at Carlin ….

JORGE
Reply to  FRENCHTEAMFAN
9 years ago

Mmmmm I guess you are right…:)

Daaaave
9 years ago

Those walls, those walls, those walls…y’all see those walls??!!

Also, that kick on the last 50.

Katie is the toughest athlete, any sport, any gender right now. Love it.

Will it be weird when I kiss my biceps before my important meeting this week?

bobo gigi
9 years ago

Apart from Katie, 2 other girls were in beast mode in these 400 free finals, each at their own level.
Cierra Runge in 4.04! Her progression is impressive since she’s at NBAC and trains for mid-distance there. She was in 4.13 last year. Hopefully she will continue to improve in the next 2 years at Cal and will get closer to the 4 minutes barrier. She has an amazing training group in Baltimore with Lotte Friis, Gillian Ryan, Allison Schmitt, Sierra Schmidt and Becca Mann. Who will push her at Cal? And unlike in NCAA she trains most of the time in long course in Baltimore. I really hope she will continue to drop her times.
14-year-old Madison… Read more »

bobo gigi
9 years ago

I want to hear or read the reaction of Philippe Lucas after that world record. He’s always interesting to listen. Last year in Barcelona he had commented live the 800 free final on the French television and he was very impressed by Katie Ledecky. He was full of praise. Which is very rare for him! 😆 I remember he praised her maturity and her composure even when Lotte Friis was 2 seconds ahead. If he watches the race video of the world record, maybe he will also see a little of Laure Manaudou in her. Because Laure at her best attacked the races from the start and tried to hold on. And Laure broke the mythical 4.03.85 from Janet Evans.… Read more »

Jorge
Reply to  bobo gigi
9 years ago

I look forward to see spanish Mireia Belmonte to compete in the European Swimming Championships. 4:03.84 last April… Four months have passed since then… and she has trained about 100 days since her 4:03 in high altitude!! Really exciting

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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