‘Just Proud’: Ledecky Finally Wins Gold at Tokyo Olympics

‘Just Proud’: Ledecky Finally Wins Gold at Tokyo Olympics
Katie Ledecky, of the United States, celebrates after winning the women's 1500-meters freestyle final at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan on July 28, 2021. AP Photo/Petr David Josek
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TOKYO—When Katie Ledecky finally saw that familiar number next to her name, the emotions flooded to the surface at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

She tumbled over the lane rope to give her runner-up teammate a hug. She let out an uncharacteristic scream toward the American cheering section in the mostly empty arena. Finally, as the tears seemed ready to flow, she pulled the goggles back down over her eyes before exiting the pool.