Credit: Twitter
Katie Ledecky, the American swimming sensation, has added another feather to her cap by winning her 15th individual world title at the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. She tied the record set by her compatriot and fellow legend, Michael Phelps, who also won 15 individual world titles in his illustrious career. Ledecky claimed the gold medal in the women's 1500-meter freestyle event on Tuesday, finishing with a time of 15 minutes and 26.27 seconds.
Ledecky's performance was remarkable, as she clocked the third-fastest time ever in the event, only behind her own world record of 15:20.48 set in 2018 and her World Championships record of 15:25.48 set in 2015. She also became the first woman to win 20 career world titles, as she had previously won five golds in the 800-meter freestyle as well.
"I feel good. It hurt a lot but I'm really happy with the outcome. Just having a lot of fun this week," Ledecky said poolside after her win. "It's just a lot of hard work and really great people around me – my coaches ever since I started swimming since I was six, and my really great teammates."
On equalling Michael Phelps she said, "It's an honor. I've known Michael for many years now and looked up to him as a little kid. We're both from Maryland. I just never really imagined I would be in this position. It's always an honor to win a medal for Team USA, especially gold. Just going to keep going and continue to do my best every time I race."
Simona Quadarella of Italy was a very distant second, and Li Bingjie of the People's Republic of China (15:45.71) took bronze when Australian Lani Pallister, who had been third for most of the race, struggled heavily at the end.
