Katie Ledecky wins historic 13th Olympic medal with silver in 4×200 freestyle relay

Thursday night in Paris, competing in the women’s 4×200 freestyle relay final, Katie Ledecky had a chance to distinguish herself among the all-time Olympic greats.

Ledecky earned her eighth gold medal and set a new Olympic record in Wednesday’s 1,500-meter freestyle, but this time she could not secure history alone. The Australian foursome of Ariarne Titmus, Mollie O’Callaghan, Lani Pallister and Brianna Throssell were the heavy favorites coming in. The rest of the field was locked in a scramble to get behind them on the podium.

Ledecky, who entered the pool third, did her best to make up time for the Americans after they fell behind early. Her effort all but secured a place on the podium for Team USA. But Titmus and the Australians lived up to expectations, winning gold and clocking in at 7:38.08.

It was up to Potomac, Md., native Erin Gemmell to bring home the historic Olympic medal No. 13 for Ledecky and she delivered. And with Team USA’s silver medal, Ledecky now stands alone as the most decorated female American swimmer of all time. American superstar Michael Phelps has the most all time Olympic medals with 28.

Ledecky, 27, broke a four-way tie with fellow Americans Dara Torres, Natalie Coughlin and Jenny Thompson.

Ledecky’s final event will be the women’s 800-meter freestyle on Saturday.