United States' Katie Ledecky competes in a women's 800-meter freestyle swimming heat at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)
US 15-year-old Katie Ledecky wins 800 free
United States' Katie Ledecky competes in a women's 800-meter freestyle swimming heat at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)
AP /
August 3, 2012
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LONDON (AP) — American 15-year-old Katie Ledecky won the 800-meter freestyle at the London Olympics on Friday.
The youngest member of the U.S. swim team narrowly missed a world record in the grueling race, falling off pace on the last lap and finishing in 8 minutes, 14.63 seconds.
Mireia Belmonte Garcia of Spain touched in 8:18.76 to take the silver medal and defending champion Rebecca Adlington of host Britain finished in 8:20.32 for bronze.
Adlington set the world record of 8:14.10 at the 2008 Beijing Games.
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