Katie Ledecky, 15, makes big splash with Olympic gold medal in 800 meters

American 15-year-old Katie Ledecky won the 800-meter freestyle at the London Olympics on Friday. Kansas City Star coverage of the 2012 London Olympics.

United States' Katie Ledecky holds up her gold medal after winning the women's 800-meter freestyle swimming final at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Friday, Aug. 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Adlington started as favourite, but the unknown 15-year-old American Katie Ledecky monstered the field in the 800m freestyle. The crowd willed Adlington on to little effect, as she slipped from second to third. It was a second

Katie Ledecky stunned everyone with a superb swim in the women's 800-meter freestyle, capturing gold.

American 15-year-old Katie Ledecky won the 800-meter freestyle at the London Olympics on Friday. Kansas City Star coverage of the 2012 London Olympics.