Katie Ledecky won her fourth Gold medal of the World Championships after winning the 800 freestyle today during finals. Ledecky has already won the 400 freestyle, 1500 freestyle, and 4×200 freestyle relay along with Missy Franklin, Shannon Vreeland, and Karlee Bispo. She broke the world record in the 1500 freestyle by more than six seconds and continued that trend by breaking the World Record today in the women’s 800 freestyle. Ledecky, who made it on ESPN SportsCenter as number four in the top ten plays for her World Record in the 1500, swam a 8:13.86 to win the 800 freestyle today.
Not only did she break the World Record, but she set the American record and 15-16 National Age Group record. Not only did she break the National Age Group Record, she beat the 15-16 800 freestyle relay age group record by more than three seconds. That relay record is 8:17.06!!
Katie Ledecky has yet to lose a race in major international competition. Her only swim at the Olympics was the 800 freestyle, where she won the Gold medal. At the World championships, she has won the gold medal in every race she has been entered in. A very impressive feat for anyone, let alone a 16 year old.
An amazing young woman! Looking forward to watching her successes for years to come!
I felt she cruised the first half and relied on Friis to set the pace which wasn’t quite as fast as I thought it would be. I think if she set her own pace from the front like in London she might have broken the record by much more. She nearly negative split the race which is very unusual for Ledecky.
If you watch her press conference…that was the plan. She usually does go out fast…but then isn’t able to close out as much. That’s usually fine because she’s so ahead of the field…but at an international meet where she could possibly break the world record…she needed to be patient. She did this in both the 1500 and 800. SOOO excited! Wish I could have watched live. Now if I can find the FULL video…in english…
I want to see this too! Maybe Bobo or anyone could steer us in the right direction. Also, Katie definitely has a much faster time in her. 8:13 seemed reserved for her.
English commentary – courtesy of the BBC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nfwEP1hedM
Agreed.
Agreed
Her performance will be in swimming folklore for years to come. We all saw it coming, but I don’t think anyone expected this. Can’t say enough about her, congrats Katie. Now she just has to break that 400 WR.