Katie Ledecky: “It didn’t feel very fast” (Video)

2018 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Wednesday, July 25 – Sunday, July 29, 2018
• William Woollett Aquatics Center, Irvine, CA
• Prelims 9 AM / Finals 6 PM (U.S. Pacific Time)
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^{Reported by Lauren Neidigh.}

WOMEN’S 800 FREE:

• World Record: 8:04.79- Katie Ledecky, 2016
• American Record: 8:04.79- Katie Ledecky, 2016
• Championship Record: 8:10.32- Katie Ledecky, 2016
• U.S. Open Record: 8:06.68- Katie Ledecky, 2016

1. GOLD: Katie Ledecky– 8:11.98
2. SILVER: Leah Smith- 8:22.79
3. BRONZE: Haley Anderson– 8:24.13
4. FOURTH: Ally McHugh– 8:24.22

As usual, Katie Ledecky dominated. She was under American record pace for the first part of the race, but faded off the pace to win in 8:11.98. That’s just over half a second outside the fastest 10 performances in history, all of which were done by Ledecky. Fellow Olympic distance medalist Leah Smith came in about 10 seconds back to secure a Pan Pacs spot in 8:22.79.

Trojan’s Haley Anderson set a best time for the first time since 2012. Her former best was an 8:26, but she put together an 8:24.13 tonight for 3rd place. Anderson is now the 9th fastest American performer in history.

All-American Ally Mchugh put herself in the running for Pan Pacs with a big swim. She dropped 6 seconds off her best to take 4th in 8:24.22. Just outside of the top 4, Sandpipers of Nevada’s age group distance star Erica Sullivan was just off her best for 5th in 8:26.98.

15-year-old Mariah Denigan was 6th with her 8:28.15 from the afternoon heats.