LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Katie Ledecky (R) of the United States speaks with Rebecca Adlington of Great Britain after winning the Women's 800m Freestyle Final on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 3, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
LONDON (AP) - American 15-year-old Katie Ledecky won the 800-meter freestyle at the London Olympics on Friday.
The youngest member of the U.S. swim team narrowly missed a world record in the grueling race, falling off pace on the last lap and finishing in 8 minutes, 14.63 seconds.
Mireia Belmonte Garcia of Spain touched in 8:18.76 to take the silver medal and defending champion Rebecca Adlington of host Britain finished in 8:20.32 for bronze.
Adlington set the world record of 8:14.10 at the 2008 Beijing Games.
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8/3/2012 3:07:53 PM (GMT -4:00)
Associated Press