With her aquatic prowess and years of arduous training, Katie Ledecky has etched her name in the annals of swimming history. A 7x Olympic gold medalist and a 21x world champion, she is one of the most decorated figures to propel the waters. However, not just her plethora of medals and record timings, but also her unyielding moral compass and staunch stands characterize the veteran.
Like recently, expressing skepticism about WADA’s report on the alleged Chinese swimmers’ doping scandal, she raised a fearless voice saying, “None of it makes sense.” But, beyond name and fame, Ledecky’s stature also positions her high financially. Joining her male counterparts, Michael Phelps and Caeleb Dressel, she enjoys a prolific net worth. Let’s take a look at the numbers.
How rich is Katie Ledecky?
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Today, both professionally and financially, Katie Ledecky stands where her 15-year-old self debuting at the 2012 US Olympic Team Trials would have perhaps dreamt of. As per Style Magazine, the 27-year-old swimmer ranks among the top 5 richest swimmers in the world. The article estimates the swimming legend’s net worth at a whopping 5 million US$, equivalent to American swimmer Caeleb Dressel.
Moreover, Ledecky dominates swimming records across categories, ranging from 200m to 1500m freestyle. Therefore, she draws approximately $100,000 from her profession alone. Supplementing that, the various medals and prize money for the different Olympic medals she has racked up have helped her earn an additional $125,000.
Furthermore, totaling up to the massive $5 million figure has been the icon’s many partnerships. To this day, one of Ledecky’s earliest and most rewarding sponsorship deals in her career has been her $7 million deal with the swimwear brand TYR. Signed in 2018, it is going strong to date and has been a major contributor to the luminary’s professional earnings.
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Moreover, not only for her, it was equally beneficial for the brand, which tagged this as “the most lucrative partnership in the history of the swim industry.” However, not limited to her domain, Katie Ledecky has been the face of diverse brands, solidifying her reputation as a global sensation.
Ledecky’s major brand endorsements, sponsorships and more
Hershey, Ralph Lauren, American Girl, Adidas, LaCroix, and even Panasonic are the names that have roped in the renowned swimmer Katie Ledecky for brand endorsements. However, the highlight of the year remains Katie Ledecky’s partnership with apparel brand Athleta. As per The Sportico, Katie Ledecky has been signed in for a tenure of 5 years by The Gap division, Athleta.
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While TYR continues to be her swimwear sponsor, this brand would back the American swimmer’s ‘dry land’ apparel. Mainly, Ledecky will be the face of Athleta’s new brand campaign, “Find Your Movement.” As part of this deal, she will also be an addition to the company’s “Power of She Collective,” comprising athletes, advocates, medalists, and moms. Katie would also be joining swimmer Natalie Coughlin, track and field entrant Allyson Felix, and gymnastic G.O.A.T Simone Biles, among others.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Ledecky commented, “I’ve long admired Athleta for recognizing and authentically supporting female athletes’ individual and collective strengths.” Evidently, the swimmer is not just a trusted name to represents the country, but a commercial face that has brands vaulting to strike deals with her. And the results from Paris might even surge the demand for the phenom in the endorsement markets.