Italy’s Federica Pellegrini celebrates after winning the gold medal in the women’s 200-meter freestyle final. Associated Press/Darko Bandic
BUDAPEST, Hungary – Katie Ledecky’s bid to win six gold medals at the world championships ended Wednesday when she was beaten in the 200-meter freestyle by Italy’s Federica Pellegrini.
Ledecky settled for the silver medal, tying for second with Australia’s Emma McKeon.
McKeon got off to a blazing start, but Ledecky was right on her shoulder as they made the final flip. Then, suddenly, Pellegrini surged to the front and touched first in 1 minute 54.73 seconds.
Ledecky and McKeon finished in 1:55.18.
It was a stunning setback for Ledecky, who was a perfect 12 for 12 over the last three world championships. She already won three golds in Budapest. The silver means she won’t match Missy Franklin’s female record of six gold medals at the 2013 worlds.
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