Katie Ledecky claims two freestyle wins in Austin

Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky earned two victories by winning the 400 meter and the 100 meter freestyle races on the opening day of the Arena Pro Swim Series on Thursday.

Ledecky, who is the world record holder in the 400 meter free, clocked a career best 54.55 seconds to win the 100m race at the University of Texas pool.

"I always love to get up and race the 100, especially when it`s my first event. You feel really fresh and ready to go," said Ledecky, who earned $1,000 for each victory. 

"I definitely exceeded my expectations in the 100 against a tough field."

Ledecky, of Bethesda, Maryland, followed up her 100m win by posting the eighth fastest 400m freestyle time of all-time, finishing in four minutes, 47 seconds.

Hungary`s Katinka Hosszu was second to Ledecky in the 100m free in 54.66 with Megan Romano placing third in 54.79.

Hosszu was also runner-up in the 400m free, clocking a distant 4:09.17.

Olympic gold medalist Nathan Adrian won the men`s 100m free in 49.11, while American Olympian Micah Lawrence claimed the women`s 200m breaststroke in 2:25.75. 

Marina Garcia Urzainqui of Spain was second in 2:26.43.

Canada`s Noemie Thomas won the women`s 100m butterfly in 58.57.

The second stop on the Arena Pro Swim Series finishes on Saturday.