Federica Pellegrini began the countdown to the end of her stellar career in style. The Italian defeated a field of younger competitors, minus ailing Katie Ledecky, to win the 200-meter freestyle at the world swimming championships on Wednesday night.

Pellegrini, who turns 31 next month, is competing at her final worlds. She's aiming to make a fifth Olympics in Tokyo next year before retiring. She overtook 18-year-old Australian Ariarne Titmus down the stretch to earn her fourth career gold — and record eighth consecutive medal — in her signature event. The Italian touched in 1 minute, 54.22 seconds.