Katie Ledecky of the United States reacts after the women's 1500m freestyle final at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
FUKUOKA, Japan, July 25 (Xinhua) -- American swimming superstar Katie Ledecky claimed her fifth 1500m freestyle title at the World Aquatics Championships here on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old, who won the event for the first time at the 2013 Barcelona worlds, led all the way from start to finish, storming to her victory in 15 minutes 26.27 seconds.
It was her fifth gold in the event and 20th gold medal in total from six World Championships.
Italy's Simona Quadarella finished second in 15:43.31, 17.04 seconds behind Ledecky, current world record holder with 15:20.48.
China's Li Bingjie took bronze in 15:45.71. ■
Bronze medalist Li Bingjie of China celebrates after the awarding ceremony for women's 1500m freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Li Bingjie of China reacts during the awarding ceremony for women's 1500m freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Bronze medalist Li Bingjie of China reacts after the awarding ceremony for women's 1500m freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
