Paris, August 2024 – Katie Ledecky has etched her name into Olympic history once again, tying the record for the most gold medals in women’s swimming and setting a new Olympic record with her performance in the 1,500-meter freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

On Wednesday, Ledecky, 27, swam to a commanding victory in the 1,500-meter freestyle, clocking in at 15:30.02. Her outstanding performance not only earned her the gold medal but also allowed her to match Jenny Thompson’s record for the most Olympic gold medals in women’s swimming. This win also brought Ledecky to a total of 12 Olympic medals, equalling the record held by Thompson and Emma McKeon for the most medals in Olympic history for women’s swimming.

Ledecky’s race was a masterclass in distance swimming. From the outset, she established a lead, pulling ahead by over three seconds within the first quarter of the race. By the 1,200-meter mark, her advantage had surged to nearly eight seconds. She ultimately finished with a margin of victory exceeding 10 seconds, so significant that cameras had to zoom out to capture the second-place swimmer.

This win adds to Ledecky’s impressive track record, which includes her gold medal in the same event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and five world championship titles in the 1,500-meter freestyle (2013, 2015, 2017, 2022, 2023). Before this victory, Ledecky had already secured a bronze medal in the women’s 400-meter freestyle at these games, marking her first non-gold or silver medal in an Olympic final.

Looking ahead, Ledecky is set to compete in the 800-meter freestyle, with prelims scheduled for Friday and the final on Saturday afternoon. A victory in this event would not only make her the first woman to win nine gold medals in swimming but also tie her with Mark Spitz for the second-most swimming golds in Olympic history, regardless of gender.

A win in the 800-meter freestyle would also make Ledecky just the second swimmer, male or female, to achieve 13 total Olympic medals, joining Michael Phelps, who holds the record with 28 medals.

Ledecky’s continued dominance and pursuit of new records showcase her unparalleled dedication and prowess in the sport, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest swimmers of all time. As she prepares for her next race, the swimming world eagerly anticipates whether she will add to her already remarkable collection of Olympic achievements.