TOKYO, JAPAN — Katie Ledecky, an American swimmer, has won the 800 meter freestyle event at the Olympics for the second time.
She was the first to touch the wall in 8:12.57, beating out Ariarne Titmus of Australia, who took silver in 8:13.83. Simona Quadarella of Italy won bronze. Katie Grimes of the United States finished fourth.
After winning the 1,500 meter freestyle, it was Ledecky's second individual gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
Another duel between Ledecky and Titmus awaited them.
“I'm ecstatic to have that kind of competition and something that motivates me. The rivalry, I know, fuels her as well,” Ledecky said.
In the 400 meter freestyle, she finished second to Titmus for silver. Titmus also took gold in the 200-meter freestyle, where Ledecky finished fifth.
After today's race, Ledecky stated, "I figured she was just going to be lurking there the whole time." “And I knew I needed a little cushion because if we were neck and neck in the last 100, I knew she'd win.”
In London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Ledecky won Olympic gold in the 800 meter freestyle.
“Winning one gold is difficult, but winning three golds in a row in that event is incredible.”
Ledecky's career is far from over. She intends to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris – “and possibly beyond.”
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