Bethesda native Katie Ledecky became the most decorated women’s U.S. Olympian in history Thursday, winning her thirteenth career medal, a silver, in the 4×200 meter freestyle relay.
HISTORY FOR KATIE LEDECKY 🐐
MOST MEDALS EVER BY AN AMERICAN WOMAN OLYMPIAN 👏 pic.twitter.com/iGScWWCJxE
— ESPN (@espn) August 1, 2024
Ledecky officially passed former swimmer Jenny Thompson with the second place finish. Ledecky is still tied with Thompson for the most Olympic golds with eight.
Former Stone Ridge swimmers swam the final two legs of the medal-winning relay. Ledecky’s third leg – which took the U.S. from third to second place – was immediately followed by 19-year-old Erin Gemmell.
Australia, the favorite going into the race, took home gold setting an Olympic record in the event while China won a bronze medal.
Ledecky has one race remaining with the 800 meter freestyle still to come. Prelims for the event will take place Friday.
