Katie Ledecky has made history at the Paris Games by becoming the most decorated female Olympian in American history. With a silver medal in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay, she now has a total of 13 Olympic medals, surpassing any other American woman in history.
Ledecky’s incredible achievement also puts her ahead of any female swimmer from any country, as no one has won more than 12 Olympic medals in the sport. This milestone comes after she won gold in the women’s 1500-meter freestyle, earning her eighth Olympic gold medal and tying her with American legends Jenny Thompson, Dara Torres, and Natalie Coughlin.
Despite her remarkable success, Ledecky remains humble and focused on the present moment. She expressed gratitude towards the swimmers who inspired her and paved the way for her own success. With one more event to go, the women’s 800-meter freestyle, Ledecky is poised to potentially tie the record for the most gold medals by a female Olympian, currently held by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina.
Australian swimmer Emma McKeon is also chasing history with 12 overall Olympic medals, and both athletes will have the opportunity to add to their medal count in the upcoming women’s medley relay. Ledecky, however, remains the heavy favorite to secure her fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal in the 800-meter freestyle event.
As the Paris Olympics continue, fans and spectators are eagerly following the swimming events to witness these historic achievements unfold. The competition is fierce, but athletes like Ledecky and McKeon are showcasing the pinnacle of excellence in the sport.
For more updates and coverage of the swimming events at the Olympics, be sure to follow The Athletic’s live blog for all the latest news and insights. Stay tuned as these incredible athletes continue to make waves and inspire future generations in the world of swimming.
