When Lani Pallister set a Commonwealth record of 8mins 10.84 in the 800m at Australian Trials last month, she turned the 16-length challenge at World Championships here in Singapore into a three-way fight.

So what, the unknowing might say, but when it comes to the women's 800m free, it's been American swim legend Katie Ledecky all the way since she claimed the first of her 10 Olympic gold medals. It was London 2012 and she was 15.

Not a race that counted lost since, Summer McIntosh the only rival ever to have beaten Ledecky over 800m throughout the entirety of the American's international career.

And here, last month, is how Pallister entered the fray stage left:

Pallister Crushes Titmus’ Australian 800 Record In 8:10.84

Lani Pallister enters the all-time top 15 800m free performances as the third fastest swimmer ever in a season that has shaken and stirred an event that’s been in the steely grip of American Katie Ledecky since her bull run began with Olympic gold at London 2012, aged 15

State Of Swimming +Craig Lord

Today in Singapore, I asked her about the dynamics of the most anticipated race of the 22nd edition of the World Championships and here's what the Dolphin flipped back, complete with an all-time plaudit of its time but underpinned by merit:

“It’s really exciting. Katie’s done incredible things for the sport and arguably she’s the greatest distance swimmer of all time. We have someone like Summer making waves in her events as well."

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