USA’s Katie Ledecky wins her ninth gold, equaling the all-time Olympic record
Already regarded as one of swimming’s all-time greats, Katie Ledecky solidified her status by storming to victory in her signature event, the 800-meter freestyle, capping off her time in the French capital in grand style.
While French torpedo Leon Marchand may be the prince of Paris, thrilling the home nation with four spectacular gold medals, it is Ledecky who is writing her name in the record books. She claimed her ninth gold, equaling Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina for the most by any woman in any Olympic sport.
This is the fourth time Ledecky has won the 800-meter freestyle, making her and compatriot Michael Phelps the only swimmers to win gold in four different Olympics.
The 800-meter freestyle was Ledecky’s final event in Paris, and she returns home with two golds, a silver, and a bronze, bringing her total Olympic medal count to 14. The 27-year-old has hinted that she may compete in the home Olympics in Los Angeles in four years.
