Australian swimmer Lani Pallister has surprised herself after breaking a world record belonging to American legend Katie Ledecky.

Pallister clocked 7:54.00 in the short-course 800m freestyle on the final day of the World Cup series in Canada.

The 23-year-old’s swim wiped more than three seconds off Ledecky’s previous mark.

“It’s kind of weird, I never thought I’d individually have a world record,” Pallister said.

“I guess short course is the first step to the goals that I have for the future.”

The result is another sign of things to come for Pallister, who nearly defeated Ledecky in the long-course 800m free at the 2025 world championships. Loading Tweet

Pallister is reaping the rewards of a brave coaching switch earlier this year.

She made the tough decision to part ways with her

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