Ledecky sizzles in the swimming pool by improving on 400m world record

Ledecky, 17, broke the previous world record in the event at the US Championships on August 9 and continues her run of world records in the 400m, 800m and 1,500m freestyle.

American Katie Ledecky, right, celebrates her achievement with compatriot Cierra Runge at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. Patrick Hamilton / AFP

GOLD COAST, Australia // American teen Katie Ledecky broke her own world record in the 400-metre freestyle at the Pan Pacific Championships in Australia yesterday.

The schoolgirl clocked 3:58.37 seconds to beat her previous mark by 0.49.

Ledecky, 17, broke the previous world record in the event at the US Championships on August 9 and continues her remarkable run of world records.

On that occasion, Ledecky broke the world record set by Italian Federica Pellegrini in 2009, in the era of the now-banned high-tech bodysuits.

She holds the world records in the 400m, 800m and 1,500m freestyle, making her the first woman since US distance great Janet Evans to hold all three records at the same time.

Ledecky’s win in the 400m was her fourth gold medal of the Pan Pacific Championships on the Gold Coast after wins in the 200m and 800m freestyle and as part of the USA 4x200m freestyle relay.

Ledecky won the 400m final by more than six seconds over American teammate Cierra Runge.

“It’s a great feeling. It never really gets old,” Ledecky said.

“I knew I could be right where I was at nationals, or slightly better. I’m really pleased with that.

“I knew based on my swim from [US] nationals, my fifth, sixth and seventh 50 metres had to be a lot better.

“I knew if I could just work those and have a good, solid first 200m, it would be a good swim.

“I have some long-term goals. We’re not quite there yet, but we’ll get there.”

Ledecky still has the 1500m freestyle to come today as the meet concludes. She is chasing five gold medals.

“It’s a nice pool, I’m loving it here in Australia. It’s been a fun week,” she said.