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SHOCKING: Katie Ledecky Drops Out of 200m Freestyle Event in Updated Swimming World Championships Roster
With the impending FINA World Championships, emotions have reached an all-time high. Everyone seems to be having high hopes from Katie Ledecky, Dressel, and Finke. However, in a shocking turn of events, Ledecky has withdrawn from one of the events she previously qualified for at the Team Trials.
When was that Katie Ledecky did not compete in recent times?
Although Ledecky has not yet confirmed the news, the report is valid as USA Swimming has announced an updated roster that does not include the 200m freestyle event against the swimmer’s name.
It is an unexpected development as Katie has always competed in the 200m free at the Olympics and World Championships. The only other time she did not compete in the 200m event was at the 2019 World Aquatics Championships.
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 26: Bethesda, Maryland, native and champion swimmer Katie Ledecky announces that she will become a professional swimmer during the Newsmakers luncheon at the National Press Club March 26, 2018 in Washington, DC. Ledecky will forego the remainder of her collegiate swimming career and become a professional swimmer as she trains for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
That year she had to pull out of several events because she fell ill with a stomach virus. Though despite being unwell, Ledecky went on to win the 800m event. This time around, however, the three-time Olympian has not yet announced the reason for dropping out of the event.
The National Governing Body had released the updated roster just a day after releasing the first. Furthermore, the roster also includes the names of the second entrants for the 50m backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, respectively.
What can be the reason behind dropping from the event?
The 7-time Olympic gold medalist qualified for four events at the Team Trials. However, as per the recent schedule change, Ledecky will compete in only three of the events at the World Championships, namely 400m, 800m, and 1500m free.
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Analyzing the upcoming meet schedule provides some insight on the matter. It is important to note that the semi-final of the 200m events is on the same day as the final of the 1500m freestyle event.
Additionally, Ledecky won the gold in 1,500m and 800m freestyle but did not secure a medal in the 200m event at the Tokyo Olympics. The last time she won a gold in the event was at the Rio Olympics. Therefore, it appears to be a simple case of weighing one’s options.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 07: Katie Ledecky prepares to compete in the Women’s 1500 LC Meter Freestyle final during day four of the 2019 Toyota U.S. Open Championships at the Georgia Tech Campus Recreation Center on December 07, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
And since she is doing exceptionally well in the distance swimming events, it goes without saying that is where her priorities lie.
Furthermore, distance events are tiring and put excessive stress on the body. Therefore, athletes should get proper rest between two events, without which living up to the potential becomes difficult.
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After the recent changes, Leah Smith will assume Ledecky’s place as she joins Claire Weinstein to represent the US team in the women’s 200m freestyle event.
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