Katie Ledecky of the United States has claimed a record-breaking ninth women’s swimming gold with a win in the 800-metre freestyle at the Paris Games. She now has one gold medal more than compatriot and previous record holder Jenny Thompson. Ledecky has also equalled the overall female Olympic record of nine golds, held by Soviet Union gymnast Larisa Latynina. The American became the seventh Olympian, in any sport, to win four consecutive gold medals in an individual event, a group that includes compatriot and swimming icon Michael Phelps, who won 23 golds in his career. Earlier this week, she…