Katie Ledecky was a little chattier than normal after winning the 200m freestyle on Tuesday night. When asked how she felt about being close to winning the 200, 400 and 800 as only two women have done before – including fellow American Debbie Meyer in 1968 – she said:
“It’s meaningful. Usually I don’t think about history like that but I think I’m just honored to be a part of the tradition of America and American freestyle swimming and I want to make them proud.
I know Debbie and she told me she wanted me to do it and I don’t want to let her down.
The 200 is such a stressful event for me – more than the 800 because I can’t really settle into my rhythm, so just one mistake and you’re done.”
