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Katie Ledecky claimed a stunning gold in the women’s 200 metres
The 18-year-old American won the 1,500m freestyle gold with a world record
Ledecky defies the ‘sprinter or marathoner’ classification
Katie Ledecky is a legend in making.
World Swimming: Ledecky breaks 1500 metres freestyle world record
Ledecky’s bid to become the first swimmer to win four individual freestyle titles at a world championships remained on track as the American claimed a stunning gold in the women’s 200 metres on Wednesday.
After qualifying for the final in seventh during a punishing schedule which meant Ledecky raced her semi-final 30 minutes after winning the 1,500m freestyle gold with a world record, the 18-year-old American touched first in one minute 55.16 seconds.
Ledecky’s win, achieved from lane seven, added to her golds in the 400m freestyle on the opening night and the 1,500.
With all eight swimmers in with a chance of a medal at the final turn, Federica Pellegrini of Italy denied a United States one-two by claiming silver in 1:55.32 seconds. World champion Missy Franklin took bronze in 1:55.49.
“"It was a lot easier than the 1500m, it just didn’t hurt as much and I knew I could put it all together,” said Ledecky who hopes to add the 800m title on Saturday.