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Ledecky entered the race as an overwhelming favorite with a chance to make some major Olympic history.
PARIS, France — With a victory in the women's 800-meter freestyle, Ledecky joins fellow American Michael Phelps as the only swimmers — of any gender and from any country — to win four gold medals in the same event.
Ledecky entered the race as an overwhelming favorite. She is the world record holder at the distance with a time of 8:04.79.
Ledecky was beaten in this event earlier this year in a regional meet in Florida by Canadian Summer McIntosh, her first loss at the distance in 13 years. McIntosh is not swimming the 800 in Paris.
Ledecky first won this event in the 2012 London Olympics. Phelps won the 200 individual medley four times.
“I try not to really think about it,” Ledecky said Friday. “Just taking it one event at a time and I know I have challenges in each of my events.”
“When it's all said and done, I'll enjoy it,” she added.
This is a developing story. Check back later for more updates.
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