1,500 trip proud of record breaking swim

BARCELONA, Spain - It's not often that a race produces the two fastest times of all time and the three fastest of the year, but that is what happened in Barcelona on Tuesday night as 16 year-old American, Katie Ledecky broke the world record in the women's 1,500 meters on her way to the gold medal in the FINA World Championships currently being held in Barcelona.

Ledecky swam a time of 15:36.53 to break the previous record of 15:42.54, set by Kate Ziegler 6 years ago, by six seconds as she claimed her second gold medal of the meet to add to her gold in the 400 meters freestyle.

The 16-year-old was involved in a thrilling head to head with Denmark's Lotte Friis, who also smashed the six year-old record by over three and a half seconds, finishing with a time of 15:38. 88.

Katie Ledecky of the US celebrates after winning the women's 1500m freestyle final during the World Swimming Championships at the Sant Jordi arena in Barcelona, July 30, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

"We pushed each other the whole way. We had great momentum and it was a really tough race as we are really competitive and the crowd helped produce a great atmosphere to help us on," said Ledecky.

"I was really fast during the race and I guessed whoever touched home first would take a new world record," added the American, while Friis accepted the silver medal that was her reward for the second fastest swim ever.

"It's good to be part of big races and I am happy with my performance. I am not frustrated because I swam faster than I expected, in fact I am happy I was able to keep up with Katie for so long and to do better than I did in London," said the Dane.

Meanwhile Lauren Boyle claimed bronze medal in time of 15.44.71, which was the third fastest time of the year.  Her problem is that the two fastest times took gold and silver.

"I knew this race was going to be hard, but we are all really proud of our results," said Boyle.