Olympic Inspiration

The 2012 Olympic Games in London was a year for gold. Katie Ledecky, the youngest member of the United States Olympic swim team, took gold in the 800m freestyle. She credits her win, in part, to being inspired by watching Michael Phelps and Missy Franklin win gold.

Katie worked diligently the year prior to the Olympic Games. She balanced training and ninth grade, winning the 800m in two pre-Olympic Games events. Katie gained confidence and speed during training camp prior to the Olympic Games.

During the games, Katie focused her thoughts on world records and the medals her teammates won. She wanted to do well for her country. In an interview, Katie said watching Phelps and Franklin win was very exciting, but she kept it to herself and “just used it as extra energy.”

During the race, Ledecky got off to a dynamic start and soon was an entire body-length ahead. Phelps summed up the race by commenting that Katie had fun, nearly broke a world record, and won the gold. He felt that was pretty impressive for a fifteen-year-old.

Katie continues to swim and train at swim clubs near her home in Maryland. She recently won the 2013 U.S. Olympic Committee Sportswoman of the Year award. In addition, she has won four gold medals at the World Championships and broken two world records. Some news reports have called Katie a “hometown hero.”