Ledecky wins 800m freestyle world title over Pallister and McIntosh in classic

• Ledecky wins 800m freestyle in 8:05.62 CR time

• McIntosh settles for bronze behind Pallister

• US star extends record with seventh world 800m title

Katie Ledecky once again proved untouchable in her signature event, holding off a star-studded field to win her seventh world title in the 800m freestyle on Saturday in Singapore, a feat no swimmer has ever achieved in a single event.

The 28-year-old American delivered a championship-record 8:05.62 to edge Australia's Lani Pallister (8:05.98) and Canada's Summer McIntosh (8:07.29) in one of the most anticipated races of the world swimming championships. The trio are the three fastest women in history over 800m, and the amply hyped final more than lived up to the billing, producing the fastest field ever assembled in the event.