On the 31st, Ledecky (USA) set a monumental record in the women’s 1500m freestyle at the Paris Olympics. She went solo early on and won her eighth gold medal, tying the all-time record for women in swimming. “I try not to think about history, but it’s an honor,” she said with a smile. If she tops the remaining 800m freestyle, she will tie gymnast Larisa Latynina (former Soviet Union) for the most women’s gold medals in all competitions, with nine.

The 27-year-old swimmer has been winning gold medals since the 2012 London Olympics. “I don’t think I’m nearing the end of my career,” he said, expressing his enthusiasm for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. (Kyodo News)