Ledecky makes history by sweeping worlds golds

KAZAN, RUSSIA— Katie Ledecky wrote more swimming history at the world championships on Saturday by breaking her own 800m freestyle record and claiming an historic fifth gold medal.

The 18-year-old became the first swimmer to sweep the world titles for the 200, 400, 800 and 1500m freestyle, while she also won gold in Kazan in the 4x200m freestyle relay.

She clocked eight minutes, 07.39 seconds over 800m to shave 2.61secs off the record she set last year.

It was a mark of her dominance that New Zealand's Lauren Boyle set a new Oceania record of 8:17.65 to take silver, but still finished 10.26secs behind Ledecky.

Having twice lowered her 1500m mark here, this was the third time American Ledecky broke a world record in Kazan, and the 10th time in her career.

She holds the hat-trick of records in the 400, 800 and 1500m freestyle as world records have now fallen on 12 occasions in Kazan.

Having won four gold medals at the Barcelona world championships two years ago, Ledecky has gone one better in Kazan and thrived despite a punishing schedule here.

"I couldn't be happier with how that swim went or how the whole meet has gone," beamed Ledecky.

"This one was very special in as much as the fatigue I could have got, so today shows that I can manage my schedule really well.

"I don't really think about the historical aspects during the meet, but I guess I can now and I will cherish these moments."

South Africa's Chad le Clos avenged his defeat in the 200m butterfly final earlier in the week by retaining his 100m world title -- then threw down a cheeky challenge to US star Michael Phelps.