RIO DE JANEIRO — The Katie Ledecky-led U.S. team struck gold in the women’s 4 x 200 freestyle relay. So what else is new? Since the event became a part of the Olympic program in 1996, the American have won five of the six golds.
Ledecky anchored a squad that included Allison Schmitt, Leah Smith and Maya DiRado to a win over Australia, the only other country to triumph in the event at the Summer Games. Canada was third. The final time was 7:43.03.
The Americans trailed Australia after three legs, but Ledecky chased down Tamsin Cook, spurred by a spectacular first turn that gave her the lead.