American Ledecky wins third straight Olympic 800m freestyle title
The 24-year-old touched in 8min 12.57sec
TOKYO (AFP) - US star Katie Ledecky stormed to her third straight Olympic 800m freestyle title Saturday with a dominant swim to bank her fourth Tokyo medal.
The 24-year-old touched in 8min 12.57sec to outpace Australian arch-rival Ariarne Titmus, who clocked a personal best 8:13.83 to earn silver ahead of Italy’s Simona Quadarella (8:18.35).
Ledecky’s young team-mate Katie Grimes, just 15, was fourth, signalling she has a big future ahead.
"It’s awesome, I wanted to finish on a really good note." said Ledecky, who was bent over in exhaustion. "I’m so happy and I’m in a lot pain too."
Titmus had dethroned her over both 200m and 400m, but her rival is the undisputed queen of the longer distances, having already won the inaugural 1500m gold.
She has imposed her will on the rest of the world over 800m since 2012, winning the event at the London and Rio Olympics along with four straight world championship titles.
Ledecky flew out of the blocks and was leading at the first 50m, never relinquishing the lead despite a gallant effort by Titmus to reel her in.
She leaves Tokyo after winning gold over 800m and 1500m and taking silver behind Titmus in the 400m. She was also part of the American 4x200m relay team that was second to world record-breaking China.
