• Katie Ledecky sets a new 800m freestyle world record of 8:04.12.
• Ledecky breaks her previous record set at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
• She has now claimed six world records in the 800m freestyle.
• This performance is part of a strong lead-up to the world championships.
• Ledecky remains the most decorated female Olympic swimmer with 14 medals.

American swimmer Katie Ledecky broke her own 800m freestyle world record on Saturday, clocking in at 8 minutes 4.12 seconds during the Tyr Pro Series meet held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This new mark surpassed her previous record of 8:04.79 set at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Ledecky dominated the race, reclaiming the lead by the 550m mark and finishing strong, nearly missing the world record pace by 700m, according to CBS News and Channel News Asia.

In what has been an impressive series of performances leading up to this feat, Ledecky also posted her second-fastest time in the 400m freestyle earlier in the week and the second-fastest 1500m freestyle time in history. This 800m swim marks her sixth world record for the event, a record she first set in 2013 when she took it from Rebecca Adlington, according to Dawn and Channel News Asia.

After her record-breaking swim, Ledecky expressed emotional pride, pounding her fists on the water upon seeing her time. The 28-year-old now holds the top ten all-time performances in the 800m event, further solidifying her status as the most decorated female American Olympian, having earned a total of 14 Olympic medals, including nine golds, according to Dawn and CBS News.