Katie Ledecky Sets Olympic Record, Wins Gold in 1,500 Freestyle

NANTERRE, FRANCE - JULY 31: Gold Medalist Katie Ledecky of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the Swimming medal ceremony after the Women's 1500m Freestyle Final on day five of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Paris La Defense Arena on July 31, 2024 in Nanterre, France. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Team USA swimmer Katie Ledecky won the 1,500-meter freestyle race on July 31 in Paris to secure her eighth Olympic gold medal and tie the record for most Olympic gold medals won by an American woman.

This victory adds to Ledecky’s impressive Olympic resume, which now includes 12 medals overall. With her bronze in the 400-meter freestyle earlier in the games, she joins an elite group of American females, including Dara Torres and Jenny Thompson, with 12 medals.

The United States continues to dominate the swimming pool, extending its lead over Australia to 17–8. Ledecky’s gold, combined with Torri Huske’s silver in the 100-meter freestyle, has contributed significantly to the U.S. team’s success.

Ledecky’s final event in Paris is the 800-meter freestyle, where she will look to add to her medal count. The preliminary heats will take place on Aug. 2, with the final scheduled for Aug. 3.

Social media erupted in praise for the superstar swimmer following her latest triumph, highlighting her incredible impact on the sport.

A post on X from the official Olympic Games account read: “KATIE LEDECKY, TAKE A BOW! It’s another #OlympicRecord for her as she takes back-to-back wins in swimming women’s 1500m freestyle.  She secures her 8th #gold medal for the USA, becoming the first female swimmer to win gold at four different Olympic Games." 

USA Swimming simply posted: “KATIE LEDECKY. THATS IT. THATS THE TWEET.”

Ledecky’s Legacy

At just 15, Ledecky stunned the world by winning gold in the 800-meter freestyle at the 2012 London Olympics.

Rio de Janeiro 2016 solidified her status as a swimming legend, with four gold medals, one silver, and two world records. Tokyo 2020 saw her continue this reign, as she made history as the first American woman to win an individual swimming event in three consecutive Olympics.

Beyond the Olympic stage, Ledecky’s dominance is equally impressive. She holds the record for most world championship gold medals by a female swimmer, with an astonishing 21 titles. Her collection of 16 individual gold medals at the World Aquatics Championships is also unprecedented.

World records are commonplace for Ledecky. She currently holds the world record in the women’s 800- and 1500-meter freestyle, both long course and short course. Her dominance extends beyond these events, with records and exceptional performances across various distances.

Recognized as the greatest female swimmer of all time, Ledecky’s accolades are numerous. She has broken 16 world records, been named Swimming World’s Female World Swimmer of the Year five times, and received prestigious honors such as the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded to her in 2024 by President Joe Biden.