Katie Ledecky, one of the most accomplished female swimmers in Olympic history, has reached remarkable heights while maintaining a humble attitude toward her accolades. At the 2024 Paris Games, she made headlines by increasing her Olympic medal tally to 14, including nine golds, solidifying her status as the most decorated female Olympian representing the United States. Notably, she also tied with Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina for the most gold medals ever won by a woman in Olympic history after winning the 800-meter freestyle for the fourth consecutive time.
Despite these achievements, Ledecky prefers to keep her medals out of sight rather than displaying them prominently. Instead of showcasing her gold medals in a trophy case like many athletes do, she humorously revealed that she keeps them tucked away in pairs of socks. During a recent employee appreciation event for Raising Cane’s, she shared, “I keep them around… For the first few months especially after Paris, I keep them in my socks and carry them around in a little bag. It’s fun to see their faces light up and it’s a joy to share those moments with as many people as I can.”
Reflecting on her early career, Ledecky admitted that she used to store her summer league swimming ribbons in shoeboxes under her bed, likely gathering dust, which she noted might not please her parents. While she might keep her medals hidden, she frequently brings them out to share with fans during public interactions, which she refers to as the “power of the gold medal.”
Ledecky emphasized that the joy she experiences from connecting with people through her medals is a significant motivator for her continued pursuit of Olympic competition. Her grounded approach to her monumental success serves as an inspiration not only to aspiring athletes but also to fans around the world.