Katie Ledecky Closes Out Sectionals With a 15:40.63 1500 Freestyle

by Ben Dornan 12

February 13th, 2022 Club, National, News, Previews & Recaps

2022 SOUTHERN ZONE SOUTH SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Katie Ledecky closed out her 2022 Southern Zone South Sectional Championships performance with a 15:40.63 in the 1500 freestyle. The time for Ledecky is just 3 seconds slower than the 15:37.34 she used to win gold in the event at the Tokyo Olympics and marks her 16th fastest time ever.

This is Ledecky’s second 1500 free since winning the event at the Olympics following her December 2021 swim of 15:45.32.

Ledecky swam 4 events at Sectionals this week and beat her times from Tokyo at 2/4 in the form of the 200 and 800 freestyles. In the 200 she won the event with a 1:54.66, which was better than her 1:55.21 for 5th at the Games. In the 800 free Ledecky swam an 8:11.83 to beat her Olympic gold-winning time of 8:12.57.

She was a bit slower in the 400 freestyle at Sectionals (4:00.95) than she was in Tokyo (3:57.36) and also swam the 400 IM in a 4:39.68.

In the 1500 freestyle, Ledecky was joined in the top 3 by Sarasota Sharks swimmer Michaela Mattes who delivered a 16:29.86, and Treasure Coast Aquatics swimmer Blair Stoneburg who hit 16:53.33 for third.

On the men’s side, University of Florida freshman Aryan Nehra collected his second win of the night with a 15:54.17. He won the 400 freestyle earlier on in the week with 3:59.65 and placed second in the 800 free with an 8:17.04. Nehra’s 1500 time was 4 seconds faster than his 15:58.19 entry time.

Advait Page and Ryan Erisman were 2nd and 3rd overall in a 16:04.59 and 16:18.93, respectively.

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IRO
2 years ago

Will be curious about her taper. Gemmell seemed to be able to taper her perfectly, but she never really nailed it at Stanford.

Georgia Rambler
Reply to  IRO
2 years ago

Gemmell was the perfect coach for KL at the perfect time and would still be if NCAP could offer the same type of in-pool competition she is obviously enjoying at Florida.

Honest Observer
2 years ago

That Ledecky is apparently swimming so much better after leaving Stanford is a little concerning for Smith, Huske, and Curzan.

wow
Reply to  Honest Observer
2 years ago

I wish all the talent didn’t swarm Stanford. I’d be nice to see them spread out and develop at different programs. But the Stanford degree is too tempting for most.

Njones
Reply to  Honest Observer
2 years ago

Throw in Ruck from a 🇨🇦 lense… Was at her best in 2018!

Swimfan
Reply to  Honest Observer
2 years ago

Regan just went 150 in back in a dual meet. She’ll be just fine.

VBSwim dad
Reply to  Honest Observer
2 years ago

You obviously haven’t followed Reagan and Torri’s fantastic freshman years. Great young ladies that are doing well in the classroom, in the pool and will be ready for a life after swimming.

Mr Piano
Reply to  Honest Observer
2 years ago

She literally broke a wr in 2018 in this event..

IVetoBreaststroke
2 years ago

She would’ve won the guys’ race…

Dan
2 years ago

Think Katie’s 400 free time was 4.00

VA Steve
Reply to  Dan
2 years ago

4:11.26

Elle
Reply to  VA Steve
2 years ago

Katie Grimes’s was