American Katie Ledecky celebrates after winning the women's 1,500-meter freestyle swimming final Wednesday at Paris La Defense Arena Wednesday. It was Ledecky's eighth Olympic gold medal and 12th medal overall, matching Jenny Thompson for the most ever by female swimmer. Photo Credit: Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/TNS
By Kevin Baxter Los Angeles Times NANTERRE, France — The 1,500-meter freestyle is the most grueling event in swimming, 30 muscle-burning, lung-busting laps of a…
