The stage is set for another epic showdown between Katie Ledecky and Summer McIntosh at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in the women’s 800 freestyle final on the penultimate night of finals on Saturday, 2 August.
As the reigning Olympic champion in the event, USA’s Ledecky, who earlier in the week won the 1500 freestyle title, is the favourite. But she’ll have to be at her best to hold off Canada’s in-form McIntosh, going for her fourth title in Singapore.
Next up, Australia’s Kaylee McKeown continues her charge towards another sprint double in the women’s 200 backstroke final, where she will line up against long-time rival Regan Smith.
Ledecky’s compatriot Gretchen Walsh will go for her second title of the event as the top qualifier for the women’s 50 butterfly, while reigning Olympic champion Cameron McEvoy is set for a fascinating dual with USA’s Jack Alexy in the men’s 50 free.
The night will end with a thrilling mixed 4×100 freestyle relay, with Team USA qualifying from this morning’s sessions in top spot.
In this morning’s qualifying session, Walsh qualified for this evening’s 50 free semis to keep her bid for three titles in Singapore alive, while Olympic champion Bobby Finke booked his place in the men’s 1500 freestyle final alongside Tunisia’s 800 free winner Ahmed Jaouadi, and open water swimming king Florian Wellbrock of Germany.
The World Aquatics Championships — previously known as the FINA World Championships and often referred to as the World Swimming Championships — have been held since 1973. The Singapore edition marks the 22nd staging of the event.
Follow our live updates across the five finals.