Time: 2:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. in Paris
American television: NBC and Peacock
Prepare for an Olympic showdown of the past, with American superstar Katie Ledecky among a trio of likely medal contenders in the women’s 400-meter freestyle. Ledecky is a two-time medalist in the event, having won gold at the 2016 Rio Games and silver at the 2021 Tokyo Games.
But her quest for an eighth overall Olympic gold medal — which would put her within a stone’s throw of the record for a female athlete — could be thwarted, or at least delayed, by Australia’s Ariarne Titmus or Canada’s Summer McIntosh, both of whom have strong gold-medal potential. Titmus beat Ledecky in Tokyo and set the world record in 2023.
The women’s 400-metre freestyle final follows the same event as the men’s. It will be followed by the women’s and men’s 4×100-metre freestyle relay finals, with the latter likely to feature American star Caeleb Dressel. He and the relay team will be looking to defend their Tokyo gold medal, but could be dethroned by their Australian or Chinese opponents. Great Britain and Italy are also in contention.
On the women’s side, Australia, the reigning three-time Olympic gold medallist in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay, is expected to continue its dominance, but the U.S. team, which includes veteran Simone Manuel, is hoping to improve on its bronze medal in Tokyo.
GO FURTHER
A Massive Race to Kick Off the Olympics: Get Ready for the Women’s 400-Meter Freestyle
