RIO DE JANEIRO—Katie Ledecky came into the Rio Olympics facing enormous expectations.
Some athletes might’ve buckled under the pressure.
She seemed to thrive on it.
The 19-year-old from suburban Washington capped off one of the greatest performances in Olympic history with her fourth gold medal and second world record, shattering her own mark in the 800-meter freestyle Friday night.
“I just wanted to lay it all out there,” Ledecky said.
She certainly did that.
And more.
Ledecky and Debbie Meyer are now the only female swimmers to sweep the three longest freestyle races. Meyer took the 200, 400 and 800 at Mexico City in 1968.
In recent days, Meyer’s been texting with Ledecky’s’ mom, Mary Gen.
Before the 800, the former swimming great sent along a video message that was forwarded to Katie.
“I try not to think about the history much,” Ledecky said. “But joining Debbie in that history is incredible.”
