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Ledecky Qualifies for Sixth World Championships with Blazing 800M Freestyle

Katie Ledecky celebrates after winning the Women's 800m Freestyle Final on day one of the Phillips 66 National Championships at Indiana University Natatorium on June 27, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Getty Images via AFP)
Katie Ledecky celebrates after winning the Women's 800m Freestyle Final on day one of the Phillips 66 National Championships at Indiana University Natatorium on June 27, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Getty Images via AFP)
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Ledecky Qualifies for Sixth World Championships with Blazing 800M Freestyle

Katie Ledecky celebrates after winning the Women's 800m Freestyle Final on day one of the Phillips 66 National Championships at Indiana University Natatorium on June 27, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Getty Images via AFP)
Katie Ledecky celebrates after winning the Women's 800m Freestyle Final on day one of the Phillips 66 National Championships at Indiana University Natatorium on June 27, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Getty Images via AFP)

American Katie Ledecky qualified for a sixth world championships on Tuesday after swimming the third-fastest 800m freestyle of all time, winning nationals in 8:07.07.

Seven-times Olympic champion Ledecky finished more than 13 seconds ahead of her nearest challenger Jillian Cox and it was the fastest time she has produced in the event since 2016.

The 26-year-old will look to add to her world championship medal haul at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka from July 23. Her current tally of 19 gold medals is second only to compatriot Michael Phelps, who has 26.

Her blazing time also comes with the 2024 Paris Games a little more than a year out.

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Sport Minister: Saudi Arabia Attracts 2.5 Million Tourists to 80 Global Sporting Events

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
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Sport Minister: Saudi Arabia Attracts 2.5 Million Tourists to 80 Global Sporting Events

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal praised on Wednesday the Saudi leadership's support for the sports sector, which has driven its growth and elevated its global recognition.

Speaking at the 2025 Budget Forum, the minister highlighted the sector's significant role in boosting tourism, noting that over the past four years, 80 international events have attracted 2.5 million tourists.

For instance, Formula 1 in Jeddah welcomed attendees from 160 countries, created 20,000 jobs, and generated a SAR 900 million economic impact on the city.

The minister underscored the private sector's vital role in the sports industry, saying 14 clubs have been offered for privatization, attracting interest from 25 companies, with notable attention from international investors.

He also highlighted the success of the Nafis platform, which has licensed 2,000 academies and 500 clubs, enabling some to transition into operating as companies.

Moreover, Prince Abdulaziz emphasized the global reach of Saudi sporting events, including the Saudi League, which is broadcast in over 160 countries. The international visibility has resulted in substantial investment and strengthened the global presence of Saudi sports.