15-year-old Katie Ledecky of U.S. wins gold in 800 freestyle

Katie Ledecky of the United States reacts after winning the Women's 800m Freestyle Final on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 3, 2012 in London, England. / Photo by Clive Rose/Getty

(AP) LONDON - American 15-year-old Katie Ledecky won the 800-meter freestyle at the London Olympics on Friday.

The youngest U.S. athlete in London narrowly missed a world record in the grueling race, falling off pace on the last lap and finishing in 8 minutes, 14.63 seconds.

Mireia Belmonte Garcia of Spain touched in 8:18.76 to take the silver medal and defending champion Rebecca Adlington of host Britain finished in 8:20.32 for bronze.

Adlington set the world record of 8:14.10 at the 2008 Beijing Games.

45 Photos

London Olympics: Aug. 3, 2012

[raymailhot]

Cool, beat the british!