Katie Ledecky wins 400m free to secure 4th trip to Olympics

Field Level Media|published: Sat 15th June, 23:11 2024

Katie Ledecky waves to the crowd after receiving her medal for the 400 freestyle final Saturday, June 15, 2024, during the first day of competition for the U.S. Olympic Team Swimming Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Katie Ledecky will be headed to the Olympics for the fourth time after winning the women's 400-meter freestyle on Saturday at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Indianapolis.

Ledecky secured her spot on the U.S. team that will be headed to Paris later this summer by finishing the event in 3:58.35, besting Paige Madden's second-place time of 4:02.08. However, Madden did not qualify for the Olympic team in the 400m.

"I walked out of this tunnel tonight and just took a look around and just enjoyed the moment," said Ledecky, a seven-time gold medalist. "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."

Jillian Cox came in third, finishing in 4:06.89.

Over in the men's 400m freestyle, Aaron Shackell came away with a ticket to Paris by edging Kieran Smith. Shackell's 3:45.46 was just enough to top Smith's 3:45.76.

David Johnston rounded out the top three at 3:46.19.

USA Swimming announced that 20,689 spectators were on hand at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the largest crowd ever for an indoor swimming competition.

--Field Level Media

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