Katie Ledecky Sets Olympic Record for Gold Medals

Katie Ledecky equalled the record for the most gold medals by a female Olympian by winning the 800m freestyle title at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Ledecky, 27, clocked in at 8:11.04 becoming the only woman and the only swimmer other than Michael Phelps to win four Olympic golds in the same event. This victory marked her ninth Olympic gold, tying her with former Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina and bringing her total medal count to 14.

Phelps holds the most Olympic medals with 28, including 23 golds. Katie Ledecky expressed joy and relief, particularly valuing her record of four consecutive wins in the 800m. Earlier in the day, Canadian 17-year-old Summer McIntosh continued her remarkable debut Games by winning her third gold in the 200m individual medley. Great Britain experienced disappointment as their 4x100m medley relay team placed seventh.

Ledecky’s dominance in distance swimming remains unchallenged, as she won four medals in Paris alone including two golds, a silver and a bronze. She became the most decorated female Olympian from the United States with her silver in the women’s 4x200m relay. Her only loss in the 800m freestyle in 13 years was to McIntosh earlier in 2024, but with McIntosh opting out of the 800m in Paris, Ledecky’s main competitor was Ariarne Titmus.

Titmus, who beat Ledecky in the 400m freestyle earlier in the week, could not match her in the 800m, finishing with silver. Ledecky’s American teammate Paige Madden took bronze. Meanwhile, McIntosh set an Olympic record of 2:05.56 in the 200m individual medley, earning her fourth medal at the Paris Games. She previously won gold in the 200m butterfly and 400m medley, and silver in the 400m freestyle.

The United States won the mixed relay while Britain struggled and finished outside the medals.