Ledecky qualifies for her fourth Olympic Games; Walsh breaks world record at US trials' swimming competition.
Olympic champion Katie Ledecky completed her run at the trials with a time of 3 minutes, 58.35 seconds at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The seven-time gold medalist is set to compete in three more events at the trials.
"I never thought I'd make it to a fourth Olympic Games," said Ledecky, as reported by Reuters.
"I love this sport more and more each year, and I think that's a testament to the amazing people I've worked with throughout my career," she added.
"Awesome communities that keep me fired up about swimming, fantastic teammates who challenge me every day, and great coaches who have faith in me and drive me to strive for even bigger achievements," Ledecky said.
"It's all thanks to their support that I can maintain consistency, and that's something I'm very proud of."
Approximately 20,689 spectators attended the event, typically the residence of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, making it the most significant crowd ever to witness a swim meet, according to USA Swimming.
Ledecky won her first Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Games, at the age of 15, and has since earned 10 Olympic medals.
In other news, Gretchen Walsh set a new world record in the women's 100m butterfly with a time of 55.18 in a semifinal heat. The 21-year-old Walsh surpassed the previous record of 55.48 set by Sweden's Sarah Sjöström at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
Walsh hopes to qualify for her first Olympics on Sunday.
The US Swimming Olympic Team Trials are ongoing until June 23.
The 2024 Paris Olympics are scheduled to start on July 26 and will run until August 11.
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Ledecky expressed her gratitude towards her supportive community, acknowledging their role in helping her maintain consistency and aim for bigger achievements.
Walsh's world record-breaking performance in the women's 100m butterfly at the trials puts her one step closer to qualifying for her first Olympics.
