American Katie Ledecky won the historic first Olympic gold medal in the women’s 1,500m freestyle swimming. The 24-year-old American, who finished second in the 400m freestyle in Tokyo and fifth today in the 200m freestyle, managed to win her first gold medal in the Japanese capital. She achieved convincing success in the 1500m freestyle swimming with 15:37.34 minutes.
The US triumph was double as Erica Sullivan won the silver with 15:41.41 minutes. German Sarah Kohler won the bronze with 15:42.91 minutes.
At the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Katie Ledecky had absolute dominance, winning three individual titles (200m, 400m, and 800m meters freestyle) and one with the relay in the 4 x 200m freestyle. This was the sixth gold medal for the Americans from the Olympic Games. She is also the champion in the 800m freestyle and from London 2012.
“The times might not be my best times but I’m still really happy to have a gold record round my neck right now. My past performances put pressure on me. I am always striving to be my best and to be better than I’ve ever been. It’s not easy when your times are world records in some events”, said Katie Ledecky. “I literally approach each race with the belief in myself that I can swim the best time and that’s pretty darn tough. It’s also a really hard attitude to maintain for nine years and so I’ve gained perspective over the years”, added she.
