ToplineU.S. swimming stars Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel put in strong performances on Thursday at the Tokyo Aquatics Center. The swimmers from the USA won two golds (two silvers) and one bronze on a great day for the country on the seventh day of the Tokyo Olympic Games.Caeleb Dressel, U.S. swimmer, celebrates after the men’s 100m freestyle final at 2020 Summer... [+] Olympic Games. Sergei Bobylev/TASSThe Key FactsLedecky, who was swimming the final leg in the women's 4X200-meter relay, entered the pool along with the U.S. team. Australia and China were fighting for gold. The American star, however, won silver by swimming the 200-meter leg at the fastest speed to help her team finish second to Australia. All three of the top women's relay teams broke the previous record in this highly competitive event. Dressel, widely regarded as the successor of Olympic legend Michael Phelps won his first individual gold medal at the Tokyo Games in the 100-meter men's freestyle final. Dressel set a new Olympic record of 47.02 seconds and finished just 0.4 seconds behind Australian rival Kyle Chalmers. Bobby Finke was the American swimmer who won the 800-meter freestyle gold. He made a remarkable comeback in the final lap to defeat Gregorio Paltrinieri from Italy. Regan Smith and Hali Fininger won bronze and silver medals respectively in the Women's 200m Butterfly event. Zhang Yufei won gold with an Olympic record of 2:33 and 3.86 seconds.Important QuoteDressel was visibly emotional after receiving his first gold medal at the Games. The year was difficult, but it was worth it. So to see the results, I'm happy.Important BackgroundAfter a dominating performance in the first ever women's 1500-meter Olympic finals, Ledecky won her Tokyo Games gold medal. American star Ledecky, who was expected to win several swimming events, saw her dominance challenged by Ariarne Titmus from Australia. The Terminator' was nicknamed the 20-year old Australian, who won gold in the 200- and 400-meter freestyle events. Ledecky took silver and fifth at the events. Ledecky defeated Titmus in Tokyo with Thursday's impressive performance in the relay race. They will be battling it out in Friday's 800-meter freestyle contest, where Ledecky holds both the Olympic gold medal and the world record.Continue readingCaeleb Dressel and Bobby Finke led a huge day for the Americans. (New York Times).
