Ledecky Holds Off Sweden's Sjostrom To Take Gold In Women's 200m Freestyle

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) -- Katie Ledecky is on her way to an Olympic feat that's only been done one other time.

Ledecky held off Sweden's Sarah Sjostrom to win gold in the 200-meter freestyle Tuesday night at the Rio Olympics.

Fifth at the first flip turn, Ledecky powered to the front on the third lap and grittily held off a hard-charging Sjostrom coming to the wall.

Ledecky touched in 1 minute, 53.73 seconds. The silver went to Sjostrom in 1:54.08, while early leader Emma McKeon faded to the bronze in 1:54.92.

World-record holder Federica Pelligrini of Italy was fourth.

Ledecky is trying to become only the second female after Debbie Meyer in 1968 to capture the three longest freestyle events at a single Olympics. Ledecky now has the 200 and 400 titles, and she's an overwhelming favorite to win the 800.