Ledecky passes Phelps for most individual world golds

Here’s why Katie Ledecky is one of the greatest freestyle swimmers in the history of the sport. She’s never quite satisfied.

The 26-year-old American won the 800m freestyle on Saturday at the world championships to become the first swimmer to win six golds in a single edition.

It was also her 16th individual world title, breaking a tie with legendary Michael Phelps for the most golds at the worlds.

She’s also a seven-time Olympic gold medalist and the record holder in both the 800 and 1500.

But that winning time — 8 minutes 08.87 seconds, which is the seventh quickest she’d ever swum — didn’t satisfy her in her favourite event.

“I’m just always trying to think of new ways to improve. I mean I’ve already got everything turning in my head right now. I kind of wanted to be better than I was tonight,” she said.

“I’m pretty tough on myself but I think I have found the balance of being tough on myself but also having that grace.”

The 800 was Ledecky’s second individual gold following her win in the 1500 free on Tuesday. She also took silver in the 400 free.

Li Bingjie of China took silver in 8:13.31, and Ariarne Titmus of Australia got the bronze in 8:13.59.

“It’s fun to leave a meet with your favourite event, and I just wanted to leave it all in the pool,” Ledecky said.