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Lani Pallister news
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The gist
Lani Pallister beat Katie Ledecky in the 400m and 800m freestyle at Pan Pacs. The 24-year-old Australian ended Ledecky's 13-gold 800m streak, signaling a new rivalry.
Background
Lani Pallister, a 24-year-old Australian swimmer, has been rising through the ranks, winning multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games and now at the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California. Her victories over Katie Ledecky, the most decorated female swimmer in history, mark a significant shift in women's distance swimming as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approach.
How it unfolded
- Aug 12, 2026Pallister wins the 200m freestyle at Pan Pacs, beating Summer McIntosh and Erika Fairweather.
- Aug 15, 2026Pallister defeats Katie Ledecky in the 400m freestyle, clocking 3:58.42, the fastest time in the world this year.
- Aug 16, 2026Pallister wins the 800m freestyle in 8:06.10, ending Ledecky's 13-gold streak in that event at major meets.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Swimming analysts note Pallister's rapid improvement and potential as a major contender for the 2028 Olympics.
- Public
- Fans and teammates, like Matthew Temple, praised Pallister's performance, calling her 'an animal'.