[nl]

This isn't really the case. You need a fast pool and good competition.

The Titmus vs Sanders vs Ledecky 400m could have been a world record race in another pool, but there's a pretty good chance we'll never see the three of them race each other again.

[LargeWu]

Counterpoint: Ledecky has never had anybody even close to her level in the 1500 and she has broken her own WR half a dozen times. I think good competition can help, but that effect is likely far less than pool conditions.

[nl]

Yes, this is absolutely true.

In Ledecky's case the clock is the only competition, and she's just so much better than anyone else it's currently impossible for someone to race her.

In Athletics at non-Championship meets they have pacemakers who provide a pace for the eventual winners to chase when they are going for fast times.

It'd be interesting to see what Ledecky could do if she swam (for example) with male pacemakers as competition.

Or maybe Summer Sanders will move up to the 1500m and we'll see a real race before Ledecky retires.

[Rastonbury]

Wouldn't any of these people not try for a WR in other comps without strong competitors? WR seems more prestigious than just a win and going for it and getting it means you win that race too