Pro Swim Series Westmont, Day 1 Finals: Katie Ledecky Swims 8:08.57 to Defeat Summer McIntosh in 800 Freestyle; Leon Marchand Doubles
The Wednesday evening finals session at the USA Swimming Pro Swim Series in Westmont, Ill., opened with a bang as Katie Ledecky and Summer McIntosh faced off in the 800 freestyle for the first time since their incredible race at last summer’s World Championships. On that occasion, Ledecky held off McIntosh and Australian Lani Pallister to earn her record-setting seventh consecutive gold medal in the event despite all three swimmers breaking the championship record.
Later in the session, American-record holders Regan Smith and Kate Douglass picked up victories in the women’s 200 backstroke and 200 breaststroke, respectively. On the men’s side, superstar Leon Marchand recorded an impressive double, taking first in the 200 back before a come-from-behind win in the 200 breast. Also on the docket were the finals of the 50 butterfly and semifinals of the 100 freestyle. Chris Guiliano highlighted the men’s 100 free after he posted a Pro Series record of 47.38 in prelims…