The United States clearly dominate the event since the previous edition of the FINA World Championships in Barcelona, in 2003. From then, only one title escaped to the North Americans, when the Chinese quartet was the fastest in Rome, in 2009, establishing the present World Record in the event (7:42.08). At the Palau Sant Jordi, the Asian team stayed at the podium’s door, finishing fourth in 7:49.79.
World Record: China, 7:42.08 – July 30, 2009 in Rome (ITA)
Championships Record: China, 7:42.08 – July 30, 2009 in Rome (ITA)
2003-2011 winners in this event: 2003 – United States (7:55.70); 2005 – United States (7:53.70); 2007 – United States (7:50.09); 2009 – China (7:42.08); 2011 – United States (7:46.14)
The best in this event (1. most victories or 2. fastest time): United States (2003, 2005, 2007, 2011 & 2013)
2012 Olympic podium: 1. United States (7:42.92), 2. Australia (7:44.41), 3. France (7:47.49)
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QUOTES:
Gold medal team: USA
Katie Ledecky: "It was pretty awesome. It's my first relay with the US team and I'm very proud of them. Being here with 3 Olympians is just amazing, also representing my country and watching our flag between the crowd is just amazing. Winning the gold medal is something I will never forget."
Silver medal team: Australia
Kylie Palmer: "After last year's Olympic silver medal and coming back this year and win the silver, it's a very good start for us."
Bronze medal team: France
Camille Muffat: "We fought well, we were closer to USA and Australia than last year. The relay is evolving year after year, I'm very happy we came third because China was not far behind."