They are seeded with the fastest times in the centre lanes going outwards, so that makes sense

Sure will.

And McIntosh will drown them both!!

The hype for the women's 400m freestyle in Paris will rival that of the men's 200m freestyle in Athens. McIntosh in 2024 = Phelps from 2004. She even swims many of the same events. Based on the Australian trials, I'd say Titmus is the favorite right now, as she just broke the 200m freestyle WR, so has great speed and the endurance to keep up with anybody else in the race if she's having her best day.

Yeah, we'll see at the end of both their careers who won the most. That's what matters ultimately.

I agree, but Ledecky will still win both the 800m and 1500m freestyle. I think that USA swimming team (overall) will not be as successful as in Tokyo!