x
Breaking News
More () »

U.S. wins women's 4x200 freestyle relay in Rio Olympics

RIO DE JANEIRO — Add another gold medal to Katie Ledecky's ever-growing pile.

<p><span class="cutline js-caption" style="display: block; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.74902);">Katie Ledecky during the women's 400-meter freestyle final.</span><span class="credit" style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.74902);">(Photo: David E. Klutho, USA TODAY Sports)</span></p>

RIO DE JANEIRO — Add another gold medal to Katie Ledecky’s ever-growing pile.

Ledecky anchored the U.S. women’s 4x200 freestyle relay, leading the Americans cruise to victory ahead of Australia and Canada, who won silver and bronze respectively.

In the final leg of the relay, Ledecky came from behind to beat Australia as the U.S. won in 7:43.03. Tasmin Cook finished strong for Australia but the team was 1.84 seconds behind.

Ledecky’s medal haul is now up to three gold and one silver in four races so far. She’s still got the 800 free to go.

The Americans led off with Allison Schmitt, who also swam in Wednesday morning’s preliminary heat. Schmitt was followed by Leah Smith, then Maya DiRado, before Ledecky finished off the race.

Missy Franklin, who had qualified second in the 200 free at U.S. trials six weeks ago, did not get to swim the final, adding to a disappointing week for the darling of the London Games. On Monday, Franklin failed to qualify for the 200 free individual final.

Franklin will get a gold medal for this relay — her first medal of the Rio Games — because she swam in prelims.

Before You Leave, Check This Out