What is Katie Ledecky's best race? USA swimming legend's history in 800m, 1500m and more

Katie Ledecky jumped right into the pool on the first day of Olympic swimming in 2024, but she didn't get the result she wanted. Not only did Ledecky fall short of denying Australia's Ariarne Titmus a gold medal in the 400m, but she finished a distant third behind 17-year-old Canadian star Summer McIntosh.

Ledecky's endurance is her strength. It wasn't time to panic when she fell behind Titmus and McIntosh early Saturday, as her best bet would be making up the distance later in the race. But the deficit became insurmountable for the seven-time gold medalist.

Fortunately for Ledecky, more opportunities for gold still await in Paris. She's competing in two more individual events and one relay, and endurance could be the difference that allows her to separate herself in the other races.

Here's a look at which race is Ledecky's best as she competes in her fourth Olympics.

2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
Full Olympics schedule | How to watch in USA | Meet NBC's broadcasters

What is Katie Ledecky's best race?

Ledecky's best race, historically, is the 800m freestyle. She has won gold in the event in each of the last three Olympics dating back to when she was 15, and Ledecky still holds the world record in the event.

If the odds are to be believed, though, it's the 1500m that will be Ledecky's best race in Paris. She is a massive -3500 favorite in the 1500, with Italy's Simona Quadarella next at +1800.

The 800, on the other hand, is expected to be a tough challenge. Ledecky is a -300 favorite, but Titmus' success in the 400 made it clear the USA star can't feel too comfortable.

The trend is pretty clear, as Ledecky's pure speed isn't what it once was due to her age, but her endurance and stamina might still be unmatched. That's why as the races get longer, her odds improve. 

Ledecky is still hoping to leave Paris with multiple gold medals, and the best is likely still ahead of her.

BEST U.S. OLYMPIANS
Top 33 rankings | Simone Biles | Katie Ledecky | Jesse Owens

Katie Ledecky 400m Olympic history

Ledecky won gold in her first Olympic 400 in 2016, setting a world record that would stand until 2022. She earned silver in 2020 and finished behind Titmus and McIntosh to earn bronze in Paris.

Katie Ledecky 800m Olympic history

Ledecky emerged on the global stage when she won gold in the 800 at the 2012 Olympics in London when she was just 15. Four years later, she shaved nearly 10 seconds off her time to set a world record that still stands.

While Ledecky couldn't replicate that time in Tokyo, she still won her third 800 gold medal. A fourth could await Ledecky in Paris, but Titmus is expected to be a serious challenger.

MORE OLYMPICS COVERAGE:

• Inside the USA vs. Australia swimming rivalry
• Timeline of Katie Ledecky's Olympic medals and records
• Revisiting Summer McIntosh's 800m win over Katie Ledecky

Katie Ledecky 1500-meter Olympic history

Ledecky made her Olympic debut in the 1500 at Tokyo, winning gold with a time of 15:37.34 to win by more than four seconds. Ledecky also holds the world record in the 1500, set in 2018.

The women's 1500 freestyle debuted at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo.

Ledecky's stamina is still her greatest strength, and that has her as the clear favorite entering the 1500 in Paris.

Katie Ledecky swimming schedule

Tuesday, July 30

Wednesday, July 31

Thursday, Aug. 1

Friday, Aug. 2

Saturday, Aug. 3