Katie Ledecky of the United States won her second gold medal at the swimming world championships on Monday in Budapest by dominating the women’s 1,500-meter freestyle race. Meanwhile, Italy’s Thomas Ceccon broke the world record in the men’s 100-meter backstroke event.
Ledecky, who had previously triumphed in the women’s 400 meters freestyle competition on the first day of the competition, completed the race in 15 minutes and 30.15 seconds to easily win the gold medal.
The 25-year-old athlete crossed the finish line more than 14 seconds ahead of her fellow countrywoman Katie Grimes, who won the silver medal. Australia’s Lani Pallister won the bronze medal.
According to Ledecky, “I love this pool, I knew I put in the training to have a solid swim, and got into a groove.” “After I finish with the relay, which is the next item on my schedule, I will go on to the 800 meters. We’ll have to wait and see (if I’m able to acquire a record).”
The 21-year-old Ceccon completed the 100-meter backstroke in a fantastic speed of 51.60 seconds, which was 0.25 seconds faster than the previous record held by the American Ryan Murphy.
Murphy, who has won gold at the Olympics four times in a row, ended in second place, while fellow American Hunter Armstrong came in third. “I don’t know what to say, but in 2016 there was an Olympic champion (Murphy), along with other strong individuals (in the field). I’m really thrilled, “uttered Ceccon, who was at a loss for words.
Earlier, a young guy from Romania named David Popovici broke the world junior record as he was competing in the men’s 200-meter freestyle event. He won the gold medal for his performance. After finishing with a time of 1:43.21, the young guy, who was originally from Romania, made history by becoming the country’s first male swimmer to win gold in the world championships. He crossed the finish line more than a second ahead of Hwang Sun-woo of South Korea, who came in second, while Tom Dean, the incumbent Olympic champion of Great Britain, came in third.
