Rio Olympics: Katie Ledecky wins gold in 200-meter freestyle
The United States' Katie Ledecky celebrates winning the gold medal in the women's 200-meter freestyle during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Credit: AP / Matt Slocum
Katie Ledecky is on her way to an Olympic feat that’s only been done one other time.
Ledecky held off Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom to win gold in the 200-meter freestyle Tuesday night at the Rio Olympics.
Fifth at the first flip turn, Ledecky powered to the front on the third lap and grittily held off a hard-charging Sjostrom coming to the wall.
Ledecky touched in 1 minute, 53.73 seconds. The silver went to Sjostrom in 1:54.08, while early leader Emma McKeon faded to the bronze in 1:54.92.
World-record holder Federica Pelligrini of Italy was fourth.
Ledecky is trying to become only the second female after Debbie Meyer in 1968 to capture the three longest freestyle events at a single Olympics. Ledecky now has the 200 and 400 titles, and she’s an overwhelming favorite to win the 800.
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