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Katie Ledecky Wins 21st World Swimming Championships Medal, Breaks Female Record

Katie Ledecky became the most decorated woman in world swimming championships history Wednesday, marking just the latest accomplishment in her unparalleled career.

Ledecky earned her 21st career world swimming championships medal Wednesday in Budapest, a gold as a member of the 800-meter freestyle relay. Ledecky clocked the second-fastest split in history–a 1:53.67–and the best of her career to lead the team comprised of Olympian Leah Smith and teenagers Bella Sims and Claire Weinstein to victory over Australia and Canada.

Ledecky swam the third leg of the relay and dove into the pool in third place, over a second behind the Australians and Canadians.