PARIS - Katie Ledecky added to her legend when she claimed her ninth Olympic gold medal by winning the women's 800-meter freestyle in Paris on Saturday night.

As well as winning the ninth Olympic gold in a career spanning four Olympic Games, Ledecky has now won the 800 meters freestyle in each of those Olympics, adding Paris to her successes in London, Rio and Tokyo.

Speaking to the press afterwards, Ledecky said the fact she had won this race on August 3 was very special for her.

"August 3 is the day I won (aged 15 in London) in 2012, and I didn't want August 3 to be a day I didn't like," she said.

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She thought that thinking about the date maybe saw her "put a lot of pressure on myself. So I'm happy I got the job done.

Ledecky led from the start of the race, finishing in 8:11.04, with Ariarne Titmus of Australia winning silver in 8:12.29 and Paige Madden the bronze medalist in 8:13.00.

The race quickly became a duel between Ledecky and 400 meters freestyle champion and world record holder Titmus, and they quickly pulled over two seconds ahead of everyone else.

Ledecky led by 0.11 seconds after 300 meters but every time it looked as if she could open up clear water between herself and the Australian, Titmus held on.

"I knew Ariarne was going to give me everything she had... I just had to stick in the race, and trust myself, trust my training, trust that I know how to race.

"I'm just relieved I got my hand on the wall," explained Ledecky, who wasn't sure if she'd be back for a fifth time.

"It's not easy. I'll take it year by year, and give it everything I've got for as long as I have left in me," was all she would say.