Katie Ledecky Ties Record, Eyes on Paris Olympics

Katie Ledecky has equaled the record for the most Olympic medals won by a female swimmer. The 27-year-old secured her 12th medal in the 1,500-meter freestyle. She looks forward to adding more medals in future events, including the Paris Olympics.

Katie Ledecky has tied one of swimming’s most impressive records. Chances are, she'll have it all to herself by the time she completes the Paris Olympics.

The 27-year-old Ledecky bumped her career total to 12 medals with a dominating victory in the 1,500-meter freestyle Wednesday night, equaling three fellow Americans — Dara Torres, Natalie Coughlin, and Jenny Thompson — for the most ever by a female swimmer.

Ledecky first became an Olympian in 2012, winning her initial gold medal in London at just 15 years old. She remarked on the evolving challenges, stating, “It's not easy; it doesn't get any easier, so I do try to enjoy it each year, and there's different perspectives that I have each year and different challenges that you face each year.”

Looking ahead, Ledecky is expected to compete in the final of the 4x200 freestyle relay on Thursday. The U.S. team secured silver in this event at the Tokyo Games after winning gold in the two previous Olympics, positioning Ledecky for a promising chance at her 13th medal. Additionally, she will aim for her fourth consecutive gold medal in the 800 freestyle, with preliminaries set for Friday morning and the final on Saturday evening.

Reflecting on her future events, Ledecky said, “I have the relay tomorrow; that's my next focus. Then, I'll think about the 800.” The American star now boasts eight gold medals in her career, seven from individual races, holding the record for the most individual golds by a female swimmer heading into these games.