Currently reigning at the height of her illustrious career, nine-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky continues to push her limits. It is just a story of a few months ago when, fresh off a historic run at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she returned to her home soil with her Olympic medals. And now, without much delay, Ledecky is already eyeing the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Known for her relentless drive, Ledecky’s dedication to the pool remains unmatched.

However, even a devoted athlete like her too transitions through the emotional highs and lows of an athletic journey. At the Paris Games, Ledecky secured her fourth consecutive gold in the 800-meter freestyle, cementing her status as the most decorated American female swimmer. But her road to the podium was studded with setbacks. After a tough third-place finish in the 400-meter freestyle, she rebounded to dominate the 1,500-meter heats.

But behind the waves, one person played the supreme role in helping her handle the emotional weight of her final race. It is her coach, Anthony Nesty. Anthony Nesty is already a legendary figure in his own right. The first Black Olympic gold medalist in swimming has been a steady force in Ledecky’s corner. And his seasoned approach was on full display in the City of Love a few weeks back. Nesty was determined to make Katie Ledecky secure the highest pedestal in Paris. Before Ledecky’s final race, Nesty offered a simple yet impactful piece of advice. 

In a conversation with Tony Dokoupil, Ledecky turned to the previous chapters of her career and stated how Coach Nesty convincingly guided her to victory. “You’re going to swim the race, and then, Katie, you’re going to warm down,” said the coach to Katie. It might seem like a mundane instruction, but for Ledecky, it was a grounding moment.

Ledecky herself added, “Most swimmers don’t warm down after their last race of their last meet of the season. And so he said, “You’re going to warm down.”” The ritual of warming down allowed her to process her emotions and close the chapter on her season with a clear head. Nesty, like a dedicated mentor, noted his student’s confession from her book. Ledecky wrote about not warming down at the 2023 World Championships, and thus, despite winning the gold medal, the legendary swimmer had a tough time recovering.

Thus, when coach Nesty instructed her to relax, Ledecky obliged immediately. She confessed that the warm-down routine truly helped her a great deal, as she could process all her emotions, soaking in the glory that was bestowed upon her at the French capital. And it is these tips and tricks that keep Ledecky in prime physical condition. So much so that she is even considering a run at the Los Angeles 2028. 

Katie Ledecky wants one last dance at LA 28

Katie Ledecky feels unsatisfied even though she has become the most decorated female swimmer in contemporary athletic history.  The Olympic icon has stated her intention to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in an attempt to achieve an unprecedented level of success. Thinking about the same, Ledecky said, “I’d love to swim in 2028.” The nine-time Olympic gold champion, who refused to give up the excitement of playing for her home audience, said, “I think swimming in front of a home crowd would be incredible. Just taking it one year at a time and give my best effort each year.” 

Given Ledecky’s current performance, it’s no surprise that she may as well continue her winning streak in LA. Aside from her chlorine-soaked empire, Katie is making significant waves in other disciplines as well. Michael Phelps was the latest American swimmer to make Sports Illustrated’s list of the 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports.

After 16 years of carving her own road to stardom, guess who made the list? Katie Ledecky! Ledecky’s rise to the sports elite has been a true show for her supporters, with her stature increasing with each passing day.