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Rio 2016 Olympics Swimming: Virginia’s Leah Smith to race in 800m freestyle finals

Leah Smith, the proud owner of a bronze and a gold medal already in these Rio 2016 Olympics, will have another shot at a medal in the 800m freestyle after qualifying for the race finals.

Smith swam a 8:21.43, good for fourth place – which was also the fourth overall fastest time across the heats – behind aquatic animal Katie Ledecky in the fourth qualifying heat for the race. Ledecky set a new Olympic record of 8:12.86 in the race.

The 800m is the longest swim at the Olympics for women. The men have the option to do the 1,600m swim as well.