
Katie Ledecky sets female record for most swimming worlds medals
Ledecky now has 21 world championship medals.
Katie Ledecky just keeps winning, taking home the world title in the 1,500-meter freestyle on Monday.
It’s Ledecky’s fourth title in the event, with fellow American Katie Grimes taking second place.
Ledecky sat a little less than 10 seconds back of her 2018 world record in the event, clocking in at 15:30.15. Grimes, who at 16 years old is the second-youngest medalist in the 1,500 at worlds since Ledecky won it in 2013, finished in a time of 15:44.89.
KATIE SQUARED!@katieledecky wins her 17th World Championships gold in the women's 1500m freestyle as 16-year-old Katie Grimes wins silver.@USASwimming x #FINABudapest2022
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) June 20, 2022
📺 @peacockTV and Olympic Channel: Home of @TeamUSA
💻 https://t.co/OTRz2BEuHE pic.twitter.com/UxrAeI1uRE
Last summer, Grimes became the youngest Olympic qualifier for the U.S. since Ledecky in 2012. She later took fourth at the Olympics in the 800-meter freestyle.
With the win, Ledecky earns her 17th world title, which extends her record. She also now holds at least four titles in the 1,500, 800 and 400-meter freestyles after winning the 400 on Saturday. Only Michael Phelps has also won four gold medals in three different events at world championships. He achieved it in just one individual event — the 200-meter butterfly — as well as the 100 medley and 200 freestyle relays.
Australia’s Lani Pallister took third in the event, marking the first time an Australian swimmer had reached the podium in the event at world championships.
Ledecky now has 21 world championship medals.
Swimming's world governing body's new policy takes effect Monday.
The 16-year-old's record time earned her third place at the world championships.
Ledecky's win marks her 16th world championships gold medal.
Get a rundown of the top highlights, stories, and events in women’s sports, including can’t-miss games and exclusive features.