Katie Ledecky, USA
Swimming
People love to have debates about who is the greatest of all time in any given sport, and in women’s swimming, Ledecky is operating at a different level compared to her competition. The Washington native has 14 world records, 14 world championship gold medals and five Olympic gold medals – and is still only 21. In fact, she has blazed an incredible trail for young swimmers around the world with her industrious, upbeat and carefree attitude, which also reminds us not to take life too seriously. Since her international debut as a 15-year-old at the 2012 Olympics, Ledecky has gone on to swim so far ahead of the field, it’s as if she is in her own pool these days. The American holds the world’s eight fastest times in the 1,500-metre freestyle and has shattered her own records in 400m, 800m and 1,500m distances by astonishing margins. In Tokyo next year, Ledecky will almost certainly become the most decorated women’s swimming in history – she needs four golds – and based on her recent form, looks impossible to be stopped. Michael Phelps may be the marquee name in American swimming history, but Ledecky could potentially soar beyond that if she can thrive in Japan. It’s all on the table for one of the world’s greatest athletes to show this next summer.
Tickets on sale for Abu Dhabi World Judo Championships to be held at Mubadala Arena
– She has won 31 medals (27 golds, three silvers, and one bronze) in major international competitions, including the Olympics, World Championships, and Pan Pacific Championships.
– She holds the record for most individual gold medals (10) and overall gold medals (14) at the World Aquatics Championships.
– She is currently pursuing a degree in psychology at Stanford University where she is co-captain of the swimming team and a 16-time NISCA High School All-American.
– She is the youngest woman ever to be inducted into Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame and Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame.
– Until the age of 11, Ledecky had little interest in swimming and was still taking Irish dancing lessons and playing soccer and basketball.
Did you know…
Her uncle John is co-owner of NHL side New York Islanders. He made his multi-million dollar fortune in office supplies and previously owned stakes in the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards.
“I would encourage you to set really high goals. Set goals that, when you set them, you think they’re impossible. But then every day you can work towards them, and anything is possible, so keep working hard and follow your dreams.” – Katie Ledecky (Source: New York Times)
Twitter: @katieledecky
Instagram: kledecky
