Katie Ledecky has yet to swim in a final at the 2012 London Olympics, but qualified for a Friday debut in the 800m freestyle final by winning her heat in the event on Thursday morning.
Ledecky, a 15-year old from Bethesda, Maryland, is the youngest Olympian for Team USA, including athletes of any sport. Her 8:23.84 time in the third heat of the event was just enough to edge Mirela Belmonte Garcia of Spain for the heat victory and earned Ledecky the third spot in the final of the 800m.
Fellow American, Kate Ziegler of Great Falls, Virginia, competed in heat five of the event, but finished 21st overall and did not qualify for Friday's final.
The final will take place at 19:45 London time on Friday, which translates to 2:45 p.m. ET.
For a complete schedule of events and dates medals will be awarded, visit NBC Sports' official Olympic website. For complete coverage from the 2012 London Olympics, keep checking this StoryStream and visit SB Nation's Olympics hub.