Katie Ledecky extended her dominance in distance swimming by winning the women’s 800-metre freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, clocking 8:05.62. The 28-year-old American held off Australia’s Lani Pallister, who finished 0.36 seconds behind, and Canada’s Summer McIntosh, who settled for bronze in 8:07.29. The victory gives Ledecky an unprecedented seventh world title in the event, a streak that began in 2013 and cements her status as the first swimmer, male or female, to claim seven golds in a single discipline at world level. In other finals, Australia’s Kaylee McKeown defeated U.S. rival Regan Smith to sweep the 100- and 200-metre backstroke, replicating her double from 2023. The results boost Australia’s medal haul while setting the stage for further showdowns when the championships continue through the weekend.