Summer McIntosh and Katie Ledecky have carved an intense rivalry in recent years. It has been like a veteran going head-to-head against a talented, upcoming superstar of the sport, eventually leading to some fierce races during their time together in competitions. The World Aquatics Championships 2025 marked the latest chapter in their rivalry, where they both outperformed each other in their respective events.
McIntosh defeated the American swimmer in the 400m freestyle, while Ledecky outclassed the former in the 800m freestyle. It was after this 800m free defeat that a narrative emerged that the Canadian swimmer had refused to shake hands with Ledecky and congratulate the American. Several months later, McIntosh shared her version of this story.
What Is McIntosh’s Explanation in Defense of the Narrative Involving Katie Ledecky?
Despite her staggering form in the Singapore event, McIntosh had a scarce possibility to outclass Ledecky in the 800m freestyle, an event that the American swimmer has owned for the last decade or so with six World titles before the 2025 event. As the event concluded, Ledecky won the race while McIntosh trailed in the bronze medal position.
However, the defeat didn’t cause any hard feelings between McIntosh and Ledecky, as the Canadian recently revealed that live television didn’t show her handshake with Ledecky.
She further explained, “It was brought to my attention, and that really su*** to be honest, coz I would never do that. I mean, Katie and I have raced alongside each other for quite a while now, and at a lot of smaller meets too, because we are both based out of Florida at US Opens and things like that.”
“I always make a point to say congratulations to my competitors, and I vividly say shaking her hand and say congrats,” the Canadian swimmer further added while addressing her ethics in the sport.
In the conversation, McIntosh further heaped praise on Ledecky, stating that the latter’s achievements in the pool have been exemplary and deserve all the accolades and credit.
Ledecky Believes That Defending a Streak Is the Most Difficult Hurdle for Her
Across her decorated career, the 800m and 1500m freestyle events have emerged as two of Ledecky’s strongest disciplines. Her exploits in these events have led to consecutive medals and titles at the Olympics and the World Championships, which, according to Ledecky, pose a different challenge every time she steps in for these events.
Sheding light on these challenges, Ledecky said, “There have been moments where it’s challenging. Especially when I went on the streak. At a certain point, you do start thinking about trying to keep up that record, and you start thinking about medals at certain points.”
Besides the 800m and 1500m freestyle races, the 400m freestyle has also been quite rewarding for the Washington native. The 28-year-old has an Olympic title to her name, along with four World titles.