Swimming star Ledecky smashes short-course 1,500m freestyle world record

Ledecky, a 10-times Olympic medallist, led from wire to wire on her way to capture the gold in a time of 15:08.24, which was more than 40 seconds faster than second-place finisher Beatriz Dizotti of Brazil (15:48.82).

"That was my first time swimming this event in a short-course pool and I didn't know what to expect," said Ledecky, who is the reigning Olympic and world long-course champion in the distance. "The record was a fantastic performance by Sarah and I was happy to have swum this fast."

Wellbrock had held the previous world short-course mark of 15:18.01 since 2019.

"I didn't have it as a set goal (to break the world record). I really didn't know what to expect, this being my first meet of the season," said 25-year-old Ledecky.

"I knew that record was in reach just based on some things I've done in training. Especially my distance stuff has felt really good this fall."