Swimming-Ledecky's 800m gold medal hopes boosted as McIntosh opts out

FILE PHOTO: Fukuoka 2023 World Aquatics Championships - Swimming - Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A, Fukuoka, Japan - July 29, 2023 Katie Ledecky of the U.S. celebrates after winning the women's 800m freestyle final REUTERS/Marko Djurica/File Photo

(Reuters) - Canadian wunderkind Summer McIntosh has opted out of the 800 metres freestyle at Olympic trials, boosting Katie Ledecky's chances of an unprecedented fourth gold medal in the event at the Paris Games.

McIntosh had raised hopes of a showdown for the 800m title in Paris when she became the first swimmer to beat the American great in 13 years in the event at a Florida meet in February.