Meet Katie Ledecky who shatters Michael Phelps' record for most individual world swimming titles

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Olympic champion Katie Ledecky achieved an extraordinary feat on Saturday, surpassing Michael Phelps' record for the most individual world swimming titles. At the World Aquatic Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, Ledecky secured her 16th world title by dominating the 800-meter freestyle, her favored distance, in an impressive time of 8:08.87. This historic victory marked her sixth consecutive win in this event, setting the longest streak ever seen in the championships' history.

Ledecky's path to glory began earlier in the week when she clinched her fifth victory in the 1,500-meter freestyle, tying with Phelps' record. A humbled Ledecky acknowledged the significance of breaking Phelps' record and expressed her admiration for the legendary swimmer, recognizing the countless events he participated in at similar meets. In a poolside interview, Ledecky humbly stated, «It's an honor to even be in that same sentence.» However, rather than basking in her achievement, Ledecky gracefully credited her fellow competitors for driving her to excel at such a high level. She spoke with composure about the challenges she faces in each race, remarking, «I know I have to bring my best every single time.» The 26-year-old swimmer acknowledged that the 800-meter race holds a special place in her heart, as it represents the event she has worked hardest on throughout her career. «The one that I hold closest to me given that the 1,500 was only added to the Olympics in 2021. I think it's the one I've focused on the most,» she said. In her latest victory, Ledecky outperformed her competitors, with silver medalist Li Bingjie of China trailing by nearly 4.5 seconds, and Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus finishing in