Katie Ledecky Once Stunned the World, Clocking the Same Time as Swimming Legend Michael Phelps

When Michael Phelps left the swimming pool, he left a legacy to ponder. 28 Olympic medals and a myriad of World Championship Medals, Phelps achieved excellence. It is natural to feel who can come in and replace the legendary swimmer for the country. Well, the answer to that question arrived at the 2012 London Olympics. Katie Ledecky arrived and won the gold medal at 15. Now, that’s something. However, she took it to the next level later on in 2015.

Putting on a statement performance in the 400-meter freestyle preliminaries, Ledecky showed the world why fans rate her so highly. Hence, one could say she raised her levels and went all in for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Fast forward to 2022, she is one of the finest swimmers of her generation. 

Katie Ledecky equals Michael Phelps!

In 2015, she swam a 4:02.67 in the women’s 400m freestyle prelims and shocked the people in attendance. The time set is equivalent to Phelps’ stunning swim in the same prelims for the men’s division. It gave her the overall seed, while Phelps managed the 17th seed. Of course, Phelps lowered his time to 3:46.73 while Ledecky’s time of 03:56.46 is her best. But, the sheer audacity to match Phelps pace by pace is remarkable. 

Adopting a unique swimming technique that is confusing to some, Ledecky is the master freestyle swimmer in various events. Apart from the 200 and 400-meters, no one can stand a chance in the 800 and 1500-meters. To match the world’s famous swimmer is astonishing. Since that day, she was on everyone’s radar, and the 2016 Rio Olympics showed no hiccups.  

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She won four gold medals and three of them in individual races for the 200, 400, and 800-meter freestyle. Ledecky pushed herself to the top with these medals, and to some extent, it became the changing of the old guard because of Phelps’ retirement. 

What next for Ledecky?

Last year at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Ledecky won two gold medals and continued her dominance at the 2022 World Championships by adding four more. The next significant contest will be the 2024 Paris Olympics. At this rate, she can win more medals. By the time Paris Olympics arrives, she will be 27. There is ample time to stamp her authority on various events. Yet, other swimmers are vying for the top spot. 

The competition in her events is massive, as Australia’s Ariarne Titmus is right on her heels. She defeated her in the 400-meters at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and shocked the world. One cannot slide Katie Ledecky away, although. She will come back, and by the time she ends her career, Michael Phelps’ throne as the most accomplished swimmer in the USA is in jeopardy. Do you think she can dominate more?

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