Ledecky breaks another world record

American teenage swimmer improves on her own 1,500m freestyle mark to win fifth gold medal at Pan Pacific championship.

Ledecky holds world records in 400, 800 and 1,500m freestyle events [AP]

Katie Ledecky sliced almost six seconds off her own world mark in the women’s 1,500m freestyle, winning in 15 minutes, 28.36 seconds to post her second world record in as many nights at the Pan Pacific championships.

The 17-year-old American improved her record in the 400 freestyle on Saturday by almost half a second. She collected her fifth gold medal of the meet in convincing fashion in cool but clear conditions on the last night of competition.

The world female swimmer of 2013 has had another exceptional year and wanted to finish her season in style.

“I knew it was my last race of the meet, and last race of the season,” Ledecky said. “I’ve had a really good season. I wanted to finish on a good note. I didn’t want to walk away from the meet with a `that was ok’ feeling.”

It was the third time in 13 months she’s set the mark in the 1,500, and the second in three months since her 15:34.23 at Shenandoah on June 19.

Ledecky holds world records in the 400, 800 and 1,500m freestyle events and is the world champion over all three distances.

New Zealander Lauren Boyle placed second in 15:55.69 and Brittany MacLean of Canada was third in 15:57.15.

Source: AP