Katie Ledecky’s Definition of Success for Paris 2024

Women’s sports and female athletes have come a long way in terms of perception, respect, and support. While it may still require more to capture people’s attention compared to male athletes, there is a growing movement to shine a spotlight on the achievements of women in sports. One significant milestone in this progression was the addition of the 1500-meter freestyle event in the Olympics in Tokyo. This change not only provides more opportunities for female athletes but also highlights their capabilities on a global stage.

Katie Ledecky, a prominent figure in women’s swimming, acknowledges the progress made in the perception of female athletes. Winning the first-ever gold in the 1500 freestyle further solidifies her place in history. Looking ahead to the Paris Games, Ledecky aims to qualify in multiple events and bring home medals. While she keeps her specific time-oriented goals private, she is focused on competing at the highest level and pushing herself to achieve success on the world stage.

Despite her current focus on the upcoming Olympics, Ledecky has her sights set on the future. She expresses a desire to continue competing beyond the summer, with a potential goal of participating in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. While she approaches her long-term goals with a year-by-year perspective, Ledecky envisions more training, competing, and, most importantly, a lot more swimming in her future.

Reflecting on her journey from a 15-year-old prodigy at the London Olympics to a multiple-time gold medalist, Ledecky feels content with how things have unfolded. She credits her ability to reset goals and maintain a positive attitude throughout her career. If given the opportunity, she would simply remind her younger self that she belongs, is capable of more, and should continue to pursue her passion for swimming with a smile on her face. With each passing year, Ledecky’s love for the sport grows stronger, fueling her desire to push boundaries and achieve new heights in her swimming career.