Ledecky breaks 800m record, claims fifth world gold

Katie Ledecky broke her own 800m freestyle world record on Saturday by claiming an historic fifth gold medal at the world swimming championships to complete the sweep of freestyle titles.

Ledecky, 18, clocked eight minutes, 07.39 seconds to shave 2.61secs 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.

Britain's Jaz Carlin earned bronze at 10.76.

Having twice lowered her 1500m time in Kazan, this is the third time Ledecky of the USA has broken a world record in Kazan and the 10th time in her career.

She is the first swimmer to win the freestyle sweep of 200, 400, 800 and 1500m world titles, while she also won gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay.
Source: AFP