From Ledecky to Kelmendi: The highlights from Day 2 of Rio 2016

Missed out on the second day of action at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro?

Catch up on the day's biggest stories with our round-up below...

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THE RECORD BREAKERS

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PHOTO: AFP

Katie Ledecky (above) of the United States smashed her own world record by nearly 2 secs in the women's 400m freestyle to open her country's gold medal account at the Olympic Aquatics Stadiun in Rio.

She clocked 3 min 56.46 secs to rewrite the 3:58:37 mark she set in 2014 at the Pan Pacific Championships in Australia.

Michael Phelps then helped the US men's 4x100m freestyle relay team to victory and snared his 19th Olympic gold medal.

The 31-year-old swim king. who came out of retirement to participate in the Games, has four more events in the pool and will certainly be looking to add more medals to his incredible personal tally.

Perhaps it's their awesome car pool karaoke skills that are helping the US swim team be so good?

 

 

British swim star Adam Peaty also set a new world record in the men's 100m breaststroke final to claim gold in 57.13s, rewriting the mark he set in the heats on Day 1.

His awesome performances are delighting his compatriots - especially his highly supportive grandmother.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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THE HISTORY MAKERS

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Over at the Maria Lenk Aquatic Centre, Chinese diver Wu Minxia cemented her spot in Olympic history with a gold in the women's 3m synchronised event with Shi Tingmao.

The win saw the 30-year-old, who is retiring from the sport, earn her fifth gold medal and become the individual with the most gold medals in Olympic diving.

Wu and Shi with their gold medals. PHOTO: REUTERS

While she surpasses the likes of Greg Louganis and Pat McCormick of the US as well as compatriots Fu Mingxia and Chen Ruolin, Chen will have a shot at equalling Wu when she competes in the women's synchronised 10m platform later this week.

Away from the pool, Majlinda Kelmendi recorded Kosovo's first ever Olympic gold medal when she beat Italy's Odette Giuffrida in the women's judo 52kg category.

While Kelmendi previously represented Albania at the 2012 Games in London, the 25-year-old opted to represent the country of her birth after Kosovo was allowed to compete at its first-ever Olympics.

Kelmendi (left) and Giuffrida after the medal ceremony. PHOTO: REUTERS

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THE UPSETS

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A tearful Novak Djokovic waves to the crowd after his deat in Rio. PHOTO: REUTERS

There were upsets aplenty at the Olympic Tennis Centre as world No. 1 Novak Djokovic (above) and Andy Murray suffered early exits.

The Serb suffered a surprise 6-7, 6-7 elimination at the hands of Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, who endured a torrid start to his day when he was trapped in a lift for 40 minutes.

While Murray saw off Viktor Troicki to avoid Djokovic's fate in the men's singles, the reigning Wimbledon champion's doubles campaign with brother Jamie was ended by Brazilian duo Thomaz Bellucci and Andre Sa, who won 7-6, 7-6.

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THE SPILLS

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PHOTO: REUTERS

While Rio 2016 has not been short of exciting moments, the Games has also seen a fair share of ugly incidents.

After spats between China and Australia in the pool over doping as well as some sickening injuries from the gymnastics floor on the first day, Day 2 saw Dutch cyclist Annemieck van Vleuten suffer a horrific crash in the women's road cycling race.

The 33-year-old was leading the pack when she crashed 10km from the finishing line, suffering three fractures to her spine and a heavy concussion.

Compatriot Anna van der Breggen went on win the race in her place.

Fortunately, van Vleuten is recuperating in hospital and is in stable condition.