Ledecky punches ticket to Paris Games, Walsh sets world record in Indy

INDIANAPOLIS :Katie Ledecky qualified for her fourth Olympic Games and Gretchen Walsh set a world record on the opening night of the U.S. Olympic Trials for swimming in Indianapolis on Saturday.

As expected, seven-time gold medalist Ledecky dominated in the 400m freestyle championship before a crowd of 20,689 fans at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.

"I never imagined I'd get to go to a fourth Olympic Games," Ledecky said.

The 27-year-old from Maryland said the joy of making the U.S. team never gets old and credited her coaches and teammates for her longevity in the sport.

"I feel like I enjoy this more and more each year and I think that's a testament to the people around me my whole career," she told reporters.

"Great communities that keep me excited about the sport, great teammates that push me every day, great coaches that believe in me and push me to reach for bigger and bigger goals.

"That's how I've been able to be consistent and I pride myself on that consistency."

Paige Madden was second with a personal best time of 4:02.08 but has not yet qualified for the Games.

Ledecky is widely considered the greatest female swimmer of all time and is just the eighth American swimmer to make at least four trips to an Olympic Games, where she will look to add to her tally of 10 Olympic medals.

Walsh kicked off night with a bang, setting a world record in the women's 100m butterfly to send a message to the world with just over a month to go before the Games.

Walsh led from the outset, made the turn at a world record pace and looked up in disbelief after she touched the wall in 55.79 seconds as the crowd erupted.

"I'm over the moon, just so happy," Walsh said.

"It's such a surreal experience. I'm trying to