Ledecky wins a world record 16th swimming gold medal

With 19 medals overall after the World Championships, Katie Ledecky has cemented her position as the most successful female swimmer to date.

Only her fellow countrymen Ryan Lochte (18 gold medals) and Michael Phelps (26 championships) have more.

On the opening day of the swimming World Championships in Budapest on Saturday, Olympic silver medalist Katie Ledecky sprinted to victory in the women’s 400 meter freestyle event to win a competition-record-extending 16th gold medal.

Ledecky, 25, entered the World Championships as the most accomplished female swimmer and has since won 19 medals overall. Only her fellow countrymen Ryan Lochte (18 gold medals) and Michael Phelps (26 championships) have more.

With a record of three minutes and 58.15 seconds, Ledecky successfully defended her championship against Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh, who finished in second place. This was made possible by the absence of reigning world and Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus of Australia.

Leah Smith, an American, finished third, nearly four seconds after her countrywoman.

“It is satisfying. I’ve never been faster at the worlds, so I’m extremely delighted with that and really looking forward to the remainder of the week “Olympic.com was told by Ledecky.