Katie Ledecky: The First Lady of Freestyle Swimming

Katie Ledecky extended her Olympics gold medal tally to 6 by claiming gold in the 1500 m freestyle at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. 

The 24-year old American now has a staggering 9 Olympic medals and 18 World Championships medals to her name making her the most successful female swimmer in the world. 

"I try to make the good days great and take something positive from the days I'm not feeling good - work on technique or something like that."- Katie Ledecky

As a 15-year old, Katie Ledecky stunned the entire world with her stunning win at the 2012 London Olympics in 800 m freestyle event, and ever since she has continued to shatter records. She currently holds the fastest-ever times in women’s 500, 1000, 1500, and 1650 yard freestyle swimming. 

Background and personal life

Born in Washington DC in 1997, Katie Ledecky began swimming at the very young age of 6. She later went onto represent her high school and nation. Ledecky also twice set the American and US Open record in the 500-yard freestyle, and she twice set the national high school record in the 200-yard freestyle.

She was later offered an athlete scholarship by Stanford University, which she accepted. She swam for the Stanford Cardinal women’s swimming team which was coached by Greg Meechan.

Katie Ledecky also holds a degree in bachelor of arts in psychology from Stanford University. 

Katie Ledecky: Achievements and records

Undoubtedly the best female swimmer of the current era, she has a ceaseless list of achievements under her belt. Let us take a look at her most prolific and stand-out achievements.

In addition to her incredible achievements as a swimmer, Ledecky has also list of world records to her name. Her tally of 6 gold at the Olympics and 15 at the world championship stands to be the highest for any woman swimmer.

Olympics medal tally of Katie Ledecky

World Championship medal tally

Ledecky holds various world records to her name which ranges from 400 m to 1500 m freestyle. 

World records 

- 400m freestyle (LC): 3:56.46 (2016 Rio Games) 

- 800m freestyle (LC): 8:04.79 (2016 Rio Games) 

- 1500m freestyle (LC): 15:20.48 (TYR Pro Swim Series) 

Olympic records 

- 400m freestyle (LC): 3:56.46 (2016 Rio Games) 

- 800m freestyle (LC): 8:04.79 (2016 Rio Games)

Interesting facts about Katie Ledecky

🏊 At the 2015 World Championships in Russia, Katie Ledecky created a World Record by swimming 1500m in 15:24: 28. She was 9 seconds faster than the 12-time Olympic medalist swimmer Ryan Lochte overhauling his record at the same event. She has also tied finishing time with Michael Phelps in the heats of Pro Swim Series at Mesa, Ariz.

🏊 Her favorite dish? It is the bacon-cheese-tomato-omelet. She ordered them so frequently that the store owner decided to name the dish after her. It is known as Katie's Gold Medal Omelet. 

🏊 Katie Ledecky is so committed to her profession. She does 9 sessions in a week with each session lasting more than 8 km. She also does that in an astonishing time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

🏊 Superstitious? Well, Katie has expressed on several occasions that she is very superstitious and spiritual. She makes it a point to clap her hands three times before the start of an event. What happens if she doesn’t? Well, she still managed to win.

🏊 She is also a vivid follower of current affairs and politics. She also made that evident by showing her intense fellowship of the recent presidential elections that took place in the USA.

Tokyo Olympics 2020

With Micheal Phelps announcing his retirement and not part of the 2020 Olympics, there was no doubt that the spotlight would be on the 24-year old. 

Katie Ledecky did not disappoint her followers as she managed to strike her 6th Olympic gold by winning the 1500 m freestyle. 

The 24-year-old is participating in five events which include- women’s 400 m freestyle, women’s 200 m freestyle, women’s 1500 m freestyle, women’s 4x200 m freestyle, and women’s 800 m freestyle. 

Ledecky has already managed to grab a gold and 2 silvers this Olympics at 1500 m freestyle, women’s 400 m freestyle, and women’s 4x200 m freestyle respectively. She was not in her best for the 200 m freestyle as she only managed to finish 5th. 

However, she has already made a statement by finishing the fastest in the 800 m freestyle heats, and she is all set to take the pool this Friday. Given that this is her event of expertise, we accept her to finish the tournament on a high note.

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Stay tuned with Sportco as we bring you all exclusive and exciting content revolving around the Tokyo Olympics 2020. 

Do you think the American can finish her campaign by striking gold in the 800 m freestyle? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments.