One of the most accomplished swimmers in the history of the sport has further strengthened her all-time status.
Swimmer Katie Ledecky earned her 16th career individual swimming world title in the 800-meter freestyle, one of her most best events, on Saturday in Japan, surpassing Michael Phelps’ record.
More Katie Ledecky: Katie Ledecky’s 1,500 free victory is a win for all distance swimmers of the past and present
As all great athletes do, Ledecky said she still found a way she wanted to get better in this historic moment for her career and the sport.
“It was special,” Ledecky told NBC about Saturday’s win, which the news organization reported was the seventh-best time in history. “I’m happy with that swim. I wanted to be a little bit better [time-wise], but I’ll take it. I’m really pleased with how the week went.”
As NBC notes, she’ll still have next year’s Summer Olympics in France to add to her staggering win totals.
UNPRECEDENTED!
Katie Ledecky has broken Michael Phelps’s record with her 16th career individual swimming world title! 🥇pic.twitter.com/42xMTPrXLC
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) July 29, 2023
Ledecky is a monumental figure in the world of swimming, and Saturday’s accomplishment just further highlights why she’s such a dominant force for the U.S. in the sport.
While she’s done competing at this worlds tournament, her trailblazing career is far from over.
Sports fans couldn’t help but tip their swim caps to Ledecky’s spectacular achievement.
Everyone was stunned by what Ledecky had accomplished.
Congratulations!!! https://t.co/5idlbJeR73
— Sherika Hagan (@themamahagan) July 29, 2023
— Aurelio (@Aurelio1869) July 29, 2023
Amazing. 🤯 https://t.co/enwrYvFQKH
— Amy Murray (@VTDukefan) July 29, 2023
🏊🏼♀️ 🐐🥇 https://t.co/7RWZK2unkj
— Brendan (@BCon17) July 29, 2023
What an accomplishment @katieledecky !! We’re so proud of you!! https://t.co/g9NOSRmV2a
— Jen Newsham (@JenNewsham) July 29, 2023
Congratulations, Katie! https://t.co/MUsQVT0sAu
— Montgomery County Commission for Women (@MoCoWomen) July 29, 2023
The best. https://t.co/SpXA5akhwM
— you_wore_a_shirt_of_violent_green_uh_huh (@Mighty_Lark) July 29, 2023
16 and counting…..#TeamUSA #AQUAFukuoka23 https://t.co/HptLVPRVDK
— Jamar Lewis (@JMar_lewis) July 29, 2023
👏 Congratulations, Katie Ledecky!#USASwimming🇺🇲 🥇 https://t.co/FT5hytuW47
— Cody🦁 (@Cmdr_Cody17) July 29, 2023
There's a new GOAT in swimming! https://t.co/UM45JeofnX
— Aaron Apollo Camp (@campaaronapollo) July 29, 2023
WHAT A LEGEND!!! https://t.co/uoGVsETs2G
— Gab (@gabriela19__) July 29, 2023
Katie Ledecky 🐐 https://t.co/7dW0aWsEkO
— Gregory Airende (@airendegregory) July 29, 2023
❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/ifL6wEdVIx
— Emily Hellwege (@BluesNCards_85) July 29, 2023
— Khat N (@Khat_Bridgerton) July 29, 2023
KATIE!!! LEDECKY!!! https://t.co/L4ZkV7ofR4
— Mulder, it’s me… (@DanaMUA) July 29, 2023
Katie Ledecky 🐐 https://t.co/AJsjGjO4jW
— Z (@TinyTemper_23) July 29, 2023
