Katie Ledecky lowers own world mark in 800 freestyle

Katie Ledecky wrote more swimming history at the world championships on Saturday by breaking her own 800m freestyle record and claiming an historic fifth gold medal.

The 18-year-old American clocked 8min 7.39sec to shave 2.61sec off the record she set last year and win gold, with New Zealand’s Lauren Boyle setting a new Oceania record of 8:17.65 to take silver at 10.26 back.

Despite her already being generally regarded as the top female swimmer in the sport, this week somehow managed to elevate the legacy she has been building since winning gold in the 800 at the 2012 London Olympics. She swam the anchor leg on the victorious 4×200 free relay too, giving her five golds with one day remaining in the meet.

Having twice lowered her 1500m mark here, this is the third time that the American has broken a world record at these championships, and the 10th time in her career, to close her Kazan campaign in style.

“It was a pretty decent semi-final swim for me”, said Halsall.

Nathan Adrian of america completed second in 21.52. “I don’t know if I tell her that enough”.

“I’m in the final so I’ve got a chance and that’s what it’s all about”, said Tancock.

With Brazil’s defending champion Cesar Cielo forced to return home with a shoulder injury, compatriot Bruno Fratus took up the mantle to claim bronze.

The gold made up for losing her 200m backstroke world crown to Emily Seebohm, who completed a unique backstroke double for Australia.

Franklin, the reigning Olympic champion, finished in 2:06.34. In seven occasions to date, Franklin has 5 medals, however no particular person gold two years after she gained a report six golds in Barcelona.

“You don’t go into a race hoping you come last but to be honest I’m just happy I was in that final”, said Proud.

“I just want to accomplish what my goals are”, Ledecky said.

“Obviously I would have liked to finish higher and gone a bit quicker but I’m absolutely over the moon to come away with a bronze medal at the end of the week”.

“It was August 8, I was swimming the 800m and believe it or not it would have been my grandfather’s 88th birthday”.

Bahrain’s Alzain Tareq, the youngest ever worlds competitor at age 10, finished third in her heat and ended up 105th out of 113 entrants. I went out after it and I swam it like Missy Franklin swims a two backstroke. Ryan Lochte, Adrian, Simone Manuel and Franklin won in 3:23.05, a world record. And minutes later, on the medal stand, there was a beaming, full-throated sing-along to the “Star-Spangled Banner”, as it played for the fifth time here in her honor.

Sarah Sjostrom earned her second gold, claiming the 50 butterfly, a non-Olympic event.