“Don’t Come Crying to Me”: Katie Ledecky’s Former Swimming Coach Almost Saved Her From Costing Olympic Dream

“Ever since I made it to London, I never thought I’d make it there. I didn’t dream of that as a young kid.” Katie Ledecky once said. But in the 2012 London Olympics, Katie Ledecky gained attention by clinching a gold medal at the age of 15. Since then, she vowed to show up for all subsequent Olympics and displayed her skill beyond just beginner’s luck. Now with a collection of seven gold medals, she continues to uphold that drive as she gears up for her fourth Olympic appearance. During the recent trials on June 15th, Katie wowed over 20,000 fans at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis.

She swam the 400-meter freestyle in an impressive 3 minutes and 58.35 seconds, setting a new record for attendance at a swim meet. However, behind this stellar performance lies the foundation laid by her former coach, Yuri Suguiyama. Before the fame of Olympic glory, Yuri’s keen eye and dedication to perfection spotted and corrected flaws in Katie’s stroke, shaping her into the formidable force she is today—a debt of gratitude she continues to hold.

How did Ledecky’s former coach correct her stroke?

In Katie Ledecky’s memoir, “Just Add Water: My Swimming Life,” released on June 11, 2024, she delves into a pivotal moment in her swimming journey under the mentorship of coach Yuri Suguiyama. From her early days in Yuri’s group, she found herself challenged to keep pace with older swimmers, a dynamic Yuri managed skillfully by fostering team camaraderie and motivating each swimmer individually. His emphasis on extra dryland training sessions at the age of thirteen, aimed at injury prevention, laid the groundwork for Katie’s long-term health as a swimmer, a foresight she deeply appreciates looking back.

However, it was during her teenage years, around thirteen, that Yuri’s coaching took on a more urgent tone. Katie recounts her habit of swinging her arm during freestyle, a technique flaw Yuri identified as potentially harmful to her shoulder over time. His stern warning, “Katie, don’t come crying to me in ten years if your shoulder is wrecked,” struck a chord, prompting her to permanently correct her stroke technique. This moment not only marked the end of her arm swinging but gave rise to her producing more momentum in the turquoise waters.

As Katie’s training regimen intensified, including additional solo swim sessions on Sundays, she found herself logging an impressive 40 miles a week in the pool. Under Yuri’s guidance, she undertook challenging sets aimed at improving her stroke efficiency and overall performance. It was during one such grueling session in 2011, at the age of fourteen, that Katie discovered her trademark “loping stroke,” a breakthrough that showed the symbiotic relationship between her relentless effort and Yuri’s expert coaching. And that led her to her maiden Olympics.

How did Yuri Suguiyama’s guidance propel Katie Ledecky to Olympic gold in London?

During Katie Ledecky’s first Olympics in London, her former coach, Yuri Suguiyama, though unable to be on the pool deck officially, remained an integral part of her journey. Despite not having Yuri’s physical presence by her side, Katie felt his influence and guidance throughout the competition. Before her preliminary race, Katie’s nerves were palpable, but she managed to win her heat, securing her place in the finals. Her encounter with Yuri outside the spectator entrance was a poignant moment, where they strategized amidst the bustling atmosphere of fans and competitors. As Katie recalled, “Yuri emphasized how proud he was of me for making the final. I told him something along the lines of ‘I believe I can do it’ and ‘I have nothing to lose.’ Which was the truth.

In the finals, Katie faced stiff competition, notably from Rebecca Adlington, the hometown favorite. Despite the overwhelming crowd support for her rival, Katie remained focused on her race plan, which included a last-minute adjustment suggested by Yuri—to breathe more to her right side. As the race unfolded, Katie’s skill became evident. She surged ahead early on, maintaining her lead throughout the grueling 800-meter event.

With her victory, Katie not only secured her first Olympic gold but also set a new U.S. record, solidifying her place as a rising star in the swimming world. Reflecting on the experience, Katie’s family and coach Yuri shared in her triumph. As Katie fondly remembers, “Yuri told me, ‘You’re going to be great,’ and his words echoed in her head throughout the race, giving her the confidence to push through and claim the gold.