Olympic superstar swimmer Katie Ledecky lives in Florida. Is she a Gator? What to know
Samantha NeelyWe're days away from the beginning of 2024 Summer Olympics, with some high-profile Olympians have already touched down in Paris. Including a few with ties to Florida.
One athlete who has made a splash (literally) over the years is Katie Ledecky, competing in her fourth Olympics and attempting to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive gold medal in the 800-meter freestyle.
During the Olympics trials last month, the 27-year-old won four races to no one's shock. However, some did voice their confusion over one of her accessories — a swim cap featuring the University of Florida's logo.
Is Ledecky from Florida? Did she go UF? Here's what to know about the swimmer and her ties to the state before the games kick off.
Who is Katie Ledecky?
Kathleen Genevieve Ledecky is known as one of swimming's "all-time greats." She was born in Washington, D.C., on March 17, 1997, with the official Olympics website noting she fell in love with swimming around age 6.
"She was inspired by her mother who was a college-level swimmer. During her high school years, Ledecky Jr broke several long-standing American records and earned an athletic scholarship to attend Stanford University," the website shares.
Ledecky went to California's Stanford University, majoring in psychology and minor in political science. While getting her degree, she won eight National Collegiate Athletic Association titles and set 15 records within the association, winning back-to-back NCAA Team Championships and two consecutive Pac-12 Conference Team Championships for her team.
See Katie Ledecky Olympics history, total medals won
She is a 3-time Olympian, earning 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:
- 800 meter freestyle, London 2012
- 200m freestyle, Rio 2016
- 400m freestyle, Rio 2016
- 800m freestyle, Rio 2016
- 4x200m freestyle relay, Rio 2016
- 800m freestyle, Tokyo 2020
- 1500m freestyle, Tokyo 2020
Here are the three events in which she won Olympic silver:
- 4x100m freestyle relay, Rio 2016
- 4x200m freestyle relay, Tokyo 2020
- 400m freestyle, Tokyo 2020
Ledecky holds the most medals of any women's swimmer in history, with Team USA pointing out that she also holds women's 800-meter and 1500-meter freestyle world records.
Where is Katie Ledecky training?
Ledecky has been training the past three years at the 50-meter pools inside and outside the O’Connell Center at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She has been working with UF swim coach Anthony Nesty, who will be the head coach of this year’s U.S. men’s team.
In her autobiography released last month, Ledecky recalled Nesty’s "Welcome to Gainesville" speech.
“I know you’re Katie Ledecky,” he said. “But as good as you are, you’re not perfect.”
Besides training about 45 miles a week in the pool, Nesty prescribed more work in the weight room. He had Ledecky run the steps at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. He said her world-beating stroke was choppy and inefficient.
“Coach Nesty has been great about helping me manage those ups and downs and always staying focused on the next event, the next step I want to take,” Ledecky said.
She was also a volunteer assistant for UF’s swim team.
Did Katie Ledecky go to the University of Florida?
Florida can't fully claim Ledecky as one of its own. She did not attend the University of Florida, graduating from Stanford University in fall of 2020.
What events will Katie Ledecky swim in during 2024 Olympics?
According to USA Today, Ledecky plans to swim in the 400 meter, 800 and 1500 freestyle individual events at the Paris Olympics, and join the 4x200 relay team.
When do the 2024 Summer Olympics start?
The Paris 2024 Olympics begin on Wednesday, July 24. The first two events of the Games are men's soccer and rugby sevens.
However, the games do not officially begin until the Opening Ceremony in Paris, taking place from 1:30 to 5:15 p.m. ET on Friday, July 26.
More:The 2024 Paris Olympics is a week away. See how to watch, all the Florida athletes competing
When do the 2024 Summer Olympics end?
If you miss the opening ceremony, you still have 16 days to watch the Games. The last day of the 2024 Paris Olympics is Sunday, Aug. 11.
Contributing: Scooby Axson, USA TODAY