RIO de JANEIRO -- Best in the world.
Incoming freshman Katie Ledecky earned a gold medal with a world-record performance in the 400-meter freestyle on Sunday night in Brazil.
Ledecky, who won gold in London four years ago as a 15-year-old in the 800-meter freestyle, earned a spot atop the podium with the fastest time ever recorded in the 400 freestyle. Ledecky clocked in at 3:56.46, comfortably in front of the 4:01.23 posted by silver medalist Jazmin Carlin of Great Britain.
Ledecky surpassed the mark of 3:58.37 that she set nearly two years ago on the Gold Coast of Australia.
It was the second medal in as nights for Ledecky, who swam the anchor of the 400-meter freestyle relay squad that collected a silver.
Ledecky, Simone Manuel, Maya DiRado, Andi Murez and Kassidy Cook will represent the Cardinal and Team USA throughout the next week in Brazil. For a complete schedule and updates, visit GoStanford.com/Rio.
Best in the world #GoStanford pic.twitter.com/7D4FdCxSnf
— Stanford W. Swimming (@stanfordwswim) August 8, 2016