The greatest distance freestyler in history does what no one else does. Every day.
At 27, Katie Ledecky continues to swim at an age beyond what was thought possible for distance swimmers.
In an era when many Olympic swimmers credit their therapists and sports psychologists as often as they do their coaches, when they describe their mental health routines in as much detail as they do their practice sets, when they discuss with admirable candor the periodic bouts of mental distress inherent in the brutal and soul-baring sport they have chosen — Ledecky speaks almost sheepishly about the lack of darkness in her world.
But then she got home to Bethesda, Md., and started tagging along with her mom to the summer pool where she got her start, Palisades Swim and Tennis Club in Cabin John. Summer was in full bloom. The water was warm and shimmering. She could feel herself getting antsy.The Sunday swims began in the spring of 2022, the original idea coming from Anthony Nesty.
Though it would be impossible to prove, it is conceivable no pool swimmer in the world has logged more sheer yardage than her — given the fact that Ledecky has been an elite distance swimmer longer than anyone in history. She has been grinding through up to 10 practices a week, at up to 10,000 yards per session, for the better part of 12 years.
The pool is almost always empty, although sometimes one of the Gators coaches stops by to get some laps in. Occasionally, Gator teammate Caeleb Dressel shows up — but only to let his black lab, Jane, swim around and chase a stick in the pool. Twelve years later, every additional Olympic medal for Ledecky will come with its own set of historical ramifications and legacy construction. Should she win the 800 free, for example — a race in which she is expected to be pushed by Australian rival Ariarne Titmus — she would become the first female athlete in history to win the same event in four consecutive Olympics.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
I've worked (almost) every Prime Day—here are the products I buy every yearI have worked in the commerce industry for over a decade and am currently the Vice President of Commerce at the New York Post. Maybe you’ve enjoyed our shopping content and it’s helped …
Read more »
Dangerous triple-digit heat wave on the way to DenverKatie Lasalle is a Denver7 Weather Forecaster, Anchor, & Reporter.
Read more »
One person dies in hit-and-run crash late Tuesday night, Lakewood police sayKatie joined the Denver7 team as a digital content producer in April of 2023.
Read more »
CPW finds body Tuesday morning near the west boat ramp at John Martin Reservoir State ParkKatie joined the Denver7 team as a digital content producer in April of 2023.
Read more »
Judge sentences Englewood man to 2 consecutive life sentences Wednesday for murder of wife and daughterKatie joined the Denver7 team as a digital content producer in April of 2023.
Read more »
Katie Holmes’s It Girl Summer Shoes Are 50% Off Ahead of Amazon Prime DayKatie Holmes-worn Franco Sarto sandals are on sale at Amazon ahead of Prime Day. Shop the 10 best shoe deals on comfy slides, chic wedges, strappy styles, and more for up to 50 percent off.
Read more »