By the third time around, the sights can feel a bit familiar: Katie Ledecky several body lengths ahead of anyone else in the pool; Ledecky easily cruising into the final wall first; Ledecky wearing both a medal and a smile, her spot on yet another U.S. Olympic team clinched, formally and easily.

Her businesslike demeanor can mask at times how remarkable this all is, and Ledecky will soon have a chance to defend her Olympic title in the 400-meter freestyle, add to her medal haul and bolster her legacy. Her coach, Greg Meehan, reminded her to never take it for granted, that simply earning a spot on the team is an honor. Read More