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Katie Ledecky has proven herself to be an American powerhouse in the pool.
She is the most decorated Olympian in history with 14 medals in total, including nine gold. She also has a record 18 individual gold medals at the World Aquatics Championships. It’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about representing Team USA on the world stage.
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Team USA’s Katie Ledecky in action poses with the American flag and gold medal after winning the women’s 1500m freestyle final at the Paris La Defense arena. Paris, France, July 31, 2024. (Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
In an interview with “60 Minutes,” the 29-year-old Stanford graduate was asked what she learned about the United States while representing her country.
“What I have learned over time as a member of Team USA is that we are a nation of fighters that embraces all kinds of competition,” Ledecky said. “We are a nation that takes great pride in the way we compete. Where that spirit of effort and competition, when properly harnessed, brings out the best in us and shows us the best of the human spirit.
“I learned that sport tests our determination, our resilience and our discipline. Sport teaches us every day that anything is possible. That when we try to give our best, we can overcome obstacles.”
American swimmer Katie Ledecky sits on the court before the match between the United States and Nigeria in the women’s basketball quarterfinals during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games at Accor Arena on August 7, 2024. (Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports)
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Ledecky remembers going from town to town for swimming meets in different local communities when she was growing up.
“And what I’ve seen in so many different communities is that sports in America are at their best when its joy and fun, and yes, its challenges, bring us together,” she added.
She will work to solidify herself again as a member of Team USA for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Katie Ledecky smiles after winning the women’s 800-meter freestyle during the Toyota National Championships swimming competition at the Indiana University Natatorium on June 2, 2025. (Robert Goddin/Imagn Images)
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Ledecky won gold medals in the 800-meter freestyle and 1,500-meter freestyle at the 2024 Paris Games. She also won a silver medal in the 4×200-meter freestyle and a bronze in the 400-meter freestyle.
