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Leah Smith, the proud owner of a bronze and a gold medal already in these Rio 2016 Olympics, will have another shot at a medal in the 800m freestyle after qualifying for the race finals.
Smith swam a 8:21.43, good for fourth place – which was also the fourth overall fastest time across the heats – behind aquatic animal Katie Ledecky in the fourth qualifying heat for the race. Ledecky set a new Olympic record of 8:12.86 in the race.
The 800m is the longest swim at the Olympics for women. The men have the option to do the 1,600m swim as well.
The finals will take place during the 9pm coverage block on Friday, August 12.
Smith has received a lot of support so far, including from fans, fellow UVA athletes, and her hometown teams.
LEAH SMITH GOLLLDDDDD!!! #USA #OLYMPICS #WAHOOWA
— Kara Renee (@UVaKareBear) August 11, 2016
USA and Leah Smith win Gold! Go USA! Go Hoos!
— Kevin Rankin (@KORankin) August 11, 2016
Couldn't be happier for @lgsmith19 #gohoos
— Matt Johns (@MJohns5) August 11, 2016
@lgsmith19 you are the GOAT Proud of you kid! Way to represent the Hoos #HoosInRio #GOLDMEDAL
— London Perrantes (@London_Tyus) August 11, 2016
Check out Hoos on the cover of https://t.co/z9HUmmokxh! #HoosInRio @lgsmith19 pic.twitter.com/xah4qgAmzC
— Virginia Swim & Dive (@uvaswimdive) August 11, 2016
GOLD!!!!! GREAT WORK @lgsmith19 ! #Hoos
— Justin Anderson (@JusAnderson1) August 11, 2016
LEAH FREAKING SMITH!! So proud of you neighbor! #GOLDMEDAL!!! @lgsmith19
— Luca Corinteli (@Luca_Corinteli) August 11, 2016
Congrats @lgsmith19 on the bronze medal!!!! #HoosInRio
— Morgan Brian (@moeebrian) August 8, 2016
You made your city (and country) proud, @lgsmith19. Congratulations! #BurghProud #TeamUSA #Rio2016
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 8, 2016