Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Ledecky Relies on Faith: ‘Give[s] Me Strength’
By Movieguide® Contributor
A seven-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer, Katie Ledecky credits God for keeping her grounded throughout her successful career in and out of the pool.
Ledecky has broken multiple records to date and is the top women’s swimmer in the world. She holds seven individual Olympic gold medals and 14 individual long-course world titles.
Ledecky won her first Olympic gold at 15 years old in the 800m freestyle at the 2012 London Olympics, setting a new American record. Then, she dominated at the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics, winning four golds and one silver medal. She triumphed in the 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle events and was part of the 4x200m freestyle relay team that won gold.
Throughout her career, Ledecky has broken numerous world records in freestyle events, particularly in longer distances. She has set records in the 800m (8:04.79) and 1500m (15:08.24) freestyle.
Before turning professional, Ledecky swam for Stanford University, where she also achieved great success, winning multiple NCAA titles and contributing to her team’s success.
After the 2016 Rio games, Ledecky told the National Catholic Register that her faith “is a big part of who I am and how I’ve made it here.”
“I’ve counted on my faith to give me strength through both training and competition — but also in school, with my family and everyday life. So, while my goals in the pool have changed, my faith remains something that’s consistent and something I can always rely on,” she revealed.
Recently, Ledecky competed in the World Championships in Japan. The swimmer shared her success on her Instagram.
“800 free 6-peat complete…Always fun to end the meet with my favorite event,” she wrote. “Thankful for everyone’s support along the way this year @usaswimming@gatorsswimdv @tyrsport…and thank you Japan…for putting on a fabulous World Championships. Congrats to all my teammates and competitors on a lot of fast swimming…Looking forward to cheering on Team USA…today and then getting some R&R with family and friends.”
Ledecky is now preparing for Paris 2024, where she plans to add more gold to her collection.
Ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Movieguide® reported:
“Despite Ledecky’s success, she is a devoted catholic and credits her Olympic-level success to her faith in God.
“My Catholic faith is very important to me. It always has been and it always will be. It is part of who I am and I feel comfortable practicing my faith,” she told the Catholic Standard.
Ledecky added that she prays before every race.
“I do say a prayer – or two – before any race. The Hail Mary is a beautiful prayer and I find that it calms me,” she added.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
