Pakistan, Aug. 14 -- Katie Ledecky won the 1,500-meter freestyle on opening night of the Pan Pacific Championships, earning the first international medal of her storied career on home soil on Wednesday.

The U.S. concluded a dominant night with a world record in the 4 x 100 mixed medley relay.

Ledecky, a two-time Olympic champion in the 1,500, was under her own world-record pace in the early stages of the 30-lap race, with young fans holding signs at the outdoor pool in Irvine, California, on their feet cheering throughout. Ledecky touched in 15 minutes, 36.09 seconds. Lani Pallister of Australia gave chase early before Ledecky opened a body-length lead over her closest pursuer. Pallister took silver in a personal best 15:38.62. Moesha J...