BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Katie Ledecky has extended her record haul of medals from the world swimming championships to 21. That’s two more than any other female swimmer managed before. All but three of them are gold. The 25-year-old Ledecky claimed her 18th gold at a worlds as the United States won the women’s 4×200 freestyle relay final.
Ledecky clocked the fastest split to help the Americans win in a championship record 7:41.45. Claire Weinstein, Leah Smith, Ledecky and Bella Sims finished 2.41 seconds ahead of the Australian team and 3.31 ahead of the Canadians.
Ledecky’s 21 medals at a worlds are two more than compatriot Natalie Coughlin managed between 2001-13.
American star Caeleb Dressel has withdrawn from the rest of the world swimming championships. USA Swimming says the decision was made “after conferring with Caeleb, his coaches and the medical staff.”
Dressel withdrew shortly before the semifinals of the 100 freestyle with an unspecified medical condition on Tuesday. He was also due to race the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly later in the worlds.
It’s a big blow for the 25-year-old Dressel, a seven-time Olympic gold medalist.
