Ledecky opens worlds with 2 golds

Katie Ledecky is off to a golden start at the world championships. Make it a double. The 20-year-old American star began an audacious week by winning a pair of gold medals Sunday on the opening night of swimming along the Danube River. She cruised to a dominating victory in the 400-meter freestyle and put the U.S. ahead to stay in the 400-meter free relay.

Anchored by Nathan Adrian, the American men also won gold in the 400 free relay.

“It was a good first night for Team USA,” Ledecky said. “I’m happy with my two swims and how it all went.”

The only blip of a disappointment: Ledecky didn’t break the 400 free world record she set last summer at Rio de Janeiro. That merely demonstrates what a high standard she has set.

For the most part, her only competitor is the clock.

“It’s my second-best time,” Ledecky said. “There’s no disappointment. It’s a world championship gold medal and there’s nothing to complain about there.”

Ledecky touched in 3 minutes 58.34 seconds — more than 3 seconds ahead of U.S. teammate Leah Smith but nearly 2 seconds off the world record (3:56.46) from the Olympics. China’s Li Bingjie claimed the bronze.