RIO DE JANEIRO _ Behind a strong anchor leg from Katie Ledecky, the U.S. 800-meter freestyle relay team held off Australia to win the gold medal at Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Wednesday.
The gold is the third of the Games for Ledecky, whose best event, the 800-meter freestyle, is still to come later in the week.
The U.S. finished in 7 minutes, 43.03 seconds, the third-fastest time in history.
The U.S. added Ledecky, Leah Smith and Maya DiRado to the relay for the final, joining three-time Olympian Allison Schmitt.
Missy Franklin was among the preliminary swimmers dropped for the final.
