8hReuters Swimmer Katie Ledecky wins Olympic gold in women's 1,500-meter freestyle after placing 5th in 200 free play Ledecky: Striving for greatness is a blessing and a curse (0:37) After winning her first gold in Tokyo, Katie Ledecky opens up about her competitive mindset and what she's learned over the years. (0:37) TOKYO -- When Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky finally saw that familiar number next to her name, the emotions flooded to the surface at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. She tumbled over the lane rope to give her runner-up teammate a hug. She let out an uncharacteristic scream toward the American cheering section in the mostly empty arena. Finally, as the tears seemed ready to flow, she pulled the goggles back down over her eyes before exiting the pool.