Swimming at the 2020 Summer Olympics – Women's 1500 metre freestyle
Katie Ledecky won gold in the inaugural Olympic women's 1500 m freestyle.
The women's 1500 metre freestyle event at the 2020 Summer Olympics was held in 2021 at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. These Games marked the first time to feature women swimming in the pool longer than 800 metres.
Quick Facts
- Event
- Women's 1500 metre freestyle
- Games
- 2020 Summer
- Venue
- Tokyo Aquatics Centre
- Dates
- 26 July 2021 (heats); 28 July 2021 (final)
- Competitors
- 33
- Nations
- 22
- Win value
- 15:37.34
- Gold
- Katie Ledecky
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- Up to two swimmers per NOC can automatically qualify by swimming the Olympic Qualifying Time of 16:32.04.
- NOCs without a female swimmer qualified in any event could use a universality place.
- Swim-offs are used as necessary to break ties for advancement to the next round.
Summary
Katie Ledecky, the world-record holder, won the first Olympic women's 1500-meter freestyle gold, leading from start to finish in 15:37.34. She swam the final just 73 minutes after competing in the 200-meter freestyle. Her teammate Erica Sullivan, not in medal contention at the halfway point, surged in the second half to take silver in 15:41.41. This 1-2 finish was the only American quinella in swimming at these Games. Germany's Sarah Köhler moved up after 800 meters but could not hold off Sullivan, earning bronze in a German record of 15:42.91. China's Wang Jianjiahe, second through 400 meters, finished fourth. Italy's Simona Quadarella, the 2019 world champion, placed fifth. Australians Kiah Melverton and Maddy Gough, along with ROC's Anastasia Kirpichnikova, completed the finalists. David Haggerty presented the medals, and Dale Neuburger presented the gifts.
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