Katie Ledecky breaks 1500 metres freestyle world record

ByReuters

Updated 04/08/2015 at 18:07 GMT

American Katie Ledecky set a world record for the women's 1500 metres freestyle at the world swimming championships on Tuesday.

Katie Ledecky of the U.S. poses with her gold medal after the women's 1500m freestyle final at the Aquatics World Championships in Kazan, Russia, August 4, 2015

Image credit: Reuters

Ledecky's time of 15 minutes 25.48 seconds broke the previous record of 15:27.71 she set in the 1500m heats on Monday.

Lauren Boyle of New Zealand finished 14.66 seconds shy of Ledecky's time to take second spot.

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“It’s really inspiring to see someone like that because it really shows what is possible for the human body, especially in women’s swimming,” said Boyle.

“It really shows what we can all be capable of."

Australia’s Emily Seebohm claimed the 100m backstroke with a time of 58.26. Another Australian, Madison Wilson took silver with a time of 58.75 while Denmark’s Mie Nielsen claimed bronze.

"I touched the wall and I was just so excited," Seebohm said.

"I was like, 'Oh my god, is that my name with a one? Yes it is! Oh my god, I did it! I finally did it!'"

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