Katie Ledecky vs Ariarne Titmus vs Summer McIntosh: Comparing the three fastest 400 freestyle swimmers of 2024 as they head to the Paris Olympics

One of the most anticipated swimming races of the Paris Olympics will be the women's 400m freestyle, as Katie Ledecky, Ariarne Titmus, and Summer McIntosh take on each other in an epic battle. The trio are the fastest swimmers of the event this year, and promise an unbelievable showdown later this summer.

Going into the race, Ledecky is the most experienced, with a medal count far superior to that of her Australian and Canadian counterparts. She has won a total of ten Olympic medals, seven of which are gold. In the 400m specifically, the American has one gold and one silver, claimed in 2016 and 2020 respectively.

Katie Ledecky’s personal best in the event is a 03:56.46, which was good enough for a world record in 2016. Outside of her Olympic exploits in the 400m, the 27-year-old had won four World Championships in the distance.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Ariarne Titmus is currently history’s fastest woman over the 400m distance. In 2023, the swimmer clocked a 3:55.38 to set a new world record en route to her second World Championship title in the distance. Titmus will head into the Paris Olympics as the defending champion in both the 400 and 300m freestyle races.

Lastly, Summer McIntosh will be adding to the mix at the Games this summer. The Canadian teen sensation is the former world record holder in the event, but unlike her counterparts, she is yet to win an Olympic or LC World Championships gold in the 400m freestyle. However, the 17-year-old is still very much a threat for the top of the podium.

So far in 2024, Titmus is the fastest swimmer of the lot, with her 3:55.44. Katie Ledecky sits behind her with a 3:58.35, while McIntosh’s best in the event this year has been a 3:59.06.

Katie Ledecky wins 400m freestyle title at the U.S Olympic Swimming Trials

2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Swimming - Day 1

Katie Ledecky has gotten her 2024 Olympic journey off to a strong start. Competing on the first day of the U.S Olympic Swimming Trials, the American smashed her way to the 400m gold, ensuring that she will be making her fourth consecutive Olympic appearance.

Speaking to NBC after her race, Ledecky called her night ‘amazing', saying,

"I walked out of this tunnel tonight and just took a look around and just enjoyed the moment. We've come a long way and it's really great that you all came out to support us. It’s been an amazing first night.”

After this victorious start, fans will get to see Katie Ledecky in action at the 200m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle in the upcoming days.