Paris Olympics: Katie Ledecky Becomes Most-Decorated Female Swimmer in History with 13th Medal
By handling the third leg of the United States’ silver-medal winning 800 freestyle relay at the Olympic Games in Paris on Thursday night, Katie Ledecky became the most-decorated female swimmer in history. The medal was the 13th of Ledecky’s illustrious career, allowing her to move one medal ahead of countrywomen Jenny Thompson, Dara Torres and Natalie Coughlin, and Australian Emma McKeon.
Ledecky made her Olympic debut at the 2012 Games in London, where she surged to victory in the 800 freestyle. She has added 12 more medals in the ensuing three Games and still has the 800 freestyle to come in Paris. For her career, Ledecky owns eight gold medals, four silver medals and a bronze medal. The overall record for Olympic medals by a female athlete is 18, held by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina, while cross-country skier Marit Bjorgen of Norway is No. 2 on the list with 15 medals. Ledecky is tied for the third spot with Ireen Wust, a Dutch speed skater.
“I guess it hasn’t really sunk in because I have two more swims left, but to accomplish (the record) with the relay feels fitting to me,” Ledecky said. “I’ve been on that relay so many times over the years with so many great people. It’s really special to do it as part of a relay and to have a great performance with all of them.”
The three-time defending champion in the 800 freestyle, Ledecky will contest the preliminaries of that event on Friday morning at La Defense Arena. The final is scheduled for Saturday and Ledecky is the heavy favorite to collect her 14th medal. A fourth straight title would make her the second swimmer to win the same event at four straight Olympics. Michael Phelps achieved the feat in the 200 individual medley at the 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 Games. Ledecky won the 800 free in 2012, and defended in 2016 and 2020.
Now 27, Ledecky has never been one to count her medals or reflect much on her historical standing in the sport. She has been more reflective on her work in the pool and the process of preparing herself to continue to flourish at a world-class level. Ledecky has already expressed a desire to continue competing, with her focus on a home Olympiad in Los Angeles in 2028. She has also grown into a leader for Team USA, including serving as a captain on this Olympic team.
McKeon has a chance to increase her total in the closing days of the Paris Games. There is a chance she will be used by Australia in the mixed medley relay and she is expected to handle the butterfly leg on the women’s medley relay on the final day of the competition.
Claire Weinstein led off the 800 freestyle relay that boosted Ledecky into the history books.
“It’s just an honor to even be on the same team as Katie,” Weinstein said. “She’s the most humble person I know. And she’s such an inspiration, too, even before I was ever on a high-level team with her. I’ve always looked up to her since I was a little kid, so it’s really crazy being on the same relay as her and being on the same team as her and having her as a mentor.”