American swimming sensation Katie Ledecky has successfully defended her title in the women’s 800-meter freestyle, claiming gold for the fourth consecutive time at the Olympics by surpassing Ariarne Titmus of Australia in Saturday’s final.
Ledecky, who holds both the Olympic and world records, finished the race in 8:11.04—over a second faster than Titmus.
Katie Ledecky competes in the women’s 800-meter freestyle swimming final at the 2024 Paris Games on Saturday. (MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP via Getty Images)
This victory marked Ledecky’s fourth consecutive gold in the event, making her only the second swimmer in history to win an event at four consecutive Summer Games and the first woman to achieve this feat. She joins fellow American Michael Phelps, who captured four straight titles in the men’s 200-meter individual medley.
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The 27-year-old athlete has now become only the sixth Olympian to secure nine gold medals.
The 800-meter freestyle was the event that made Ledecky a household name, as she clinched her first Olympic gold in this event during her debut at the 2012 Summer Games in London. Since then, she has remained undefeated and currently holds 29 of the top 30 times in this event.
Katie Ledecky competes in the women’s 800-meter freestyle Final on August 3, 2024, marking her record fourth consecutive title. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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Furthermore, she is recognized as one of the premier long-distance swimmers, having convincingly won gold in the women’s 1500-meter freestyle earlier this week, tying Jenny Thompson for the most Olympic gold medals in women’s swimming history.
Ledecky quickly surpassed that tie by earning a historic 13th medal (silver) in the women’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay on Thursday.
Katie Ledecky of Team USA celebrates after winning gold in the women’s 800-meter freestyle Final on day eight of the Paris Olympic Games on August 3, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Ledecky now ranks second all-time for the most Olympic medals across all sports, with 14 following her latest victory on Saturday.
Only one athlete, Phelps, holds more medals—28 overall, which includes 23 Olympic golds.
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