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Everything you need to know about Katie Ledecky, the superstar American swimmer
- Story by
- Everything you need to know about Katie Ledecky, the superstar American swimmer
Correction/clarification: A previous version of this story mischaracterized Katie Ledecky's time at Stanford.
Swimming is one of the high-profile events of any Summer Games, and the festivities at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be no different.
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One of the stars to watch for is Katie Ledecky, who will attempt to add to her Olympic medal haul and win an unprecedented fourth consecutive gold medal in the 800-meter freestyle.
Ledecky's dominance in two events sets her apart from her contemporaries. She has recorded 24 of the top 25 times in the 800-meter freestyle and all but two of the 25 fastest times in the 1,500. Since her Olympic debut at the 2012 London Games, Ledecky has dominated the swimming world, setting numerous world records while becoming one of the most decorated female Olympians of all time.
Outside of the pool, Ledecky has also accomplished a lot.
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In June, she became the first swimmer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, and published her first memoir, "Just Add Water." Her family ties in sports don't stop there, as her uncle, Jon, is the co-owner and alternate governor of the New York Islanders of the NHL.
Here is everything you need to know about Katie Ledecky:
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How old is Katie Ledecky?
Ledecky is 27 years old. She was born on March 17, 1997.
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Where did Katie Ledecky go to college?
Ledecky attended Stanford University, winning eight NCAA championships and setting 15 national records. After helping lead the Cardinal to two consecutive NCAA team titles, she left college swimming to turn professional but continued with her studies at Stanford and got her degree.
Where is Katie Ledecky from?
Ledecky was born in Bethesda, Maryland, and she graduated from Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in 2015.
How many medals does Katie Ledecky have?
Ledecky has won 10 Olympic medals, including seven gold and three silver, and 26 world championship medals (21 gold and five silver). Here are the seven events in which she won Olympic gold:
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800 meter freestyle, London 2012
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200m freestyle, Rio 2016
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400m freestyle, Rio 2016
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800m freestyle, Rio 2016
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4x200m freestyle relay, Rio 2016
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800m freestyle, Tokyo 2020
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1500m freestyle, Tokyo 2020
What events does Katie Ledecky swim?
Ledecky plans to swim in the 400 meter, 800 and 1500 freestyle individual events at the Paris Olympics, and join the 4x200 relay team.
What world records does Katie Ledecky hold?
Ledecky holds the world records in the women's 1500-meter freestyle (15:20.48) and the women's 800 freestyle (8:04.79). During her career, she has broken 16 world records and 37 American records.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to know about Katie Ledecky before 2024 Paris Olympics
