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OMAHA, NE – JULY 03: (L-R) Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky of the United States celebrate during Day Eight of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Swimming Trials at CenturyLink Center on July 3, 2016 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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OMAHA, NE – JULY 03: (L-R) Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky of the United States celebrate during Day Eight of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Swimming Trials at CenturyLink Center on July 3, 2016 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Every guide to swimming boasts the extraordinary achievements of the legend, Michael Phelps. Those pursuing the sport are sure to find a multitude of lessons from the G.O.A.T?s journey through becoming the greatest Olympian ever. Katie Ledecky, the 10-time Olympic medalist swimmer, once shared a delightful moment with Phelps at a swim clinic as a 9-year-old.
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Ledecky has been one of the most promising athletes on the Olympic team. In a 2021 episode of The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Ledecky gave an inspiring account of her journey from being a fan girl to sharing the same stage as her idol.
Katie Ledecky recalled an iconic moment with Michael Phelps minutes before her first Olympic race
Fallon displayed a picture of 9-year-old Ledecky getting an autograph from the Baltimore bullet. Intrigued on seeing it, Fallon expressed keenness to know more about it. Ledecky stated she visited a swim clinic to catch a glimpse of the Flying fish and get an autograph although she got one three years ago.
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 13: Michael Phelps of the United States competes in the Men’s 4 x 100m Medley Relay Final on Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on August 13, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Furthermore, she shared that six years after the photo was clicked; she found herself on the Olympic team with Phelps in London. ?He gave me a high-five right before my race, which made me flash back to those moments,? she said of her surreal feeling.
READ MORE: Katie Ledecky Clinches a Record Even Legendary Michael Phelps Hasn?t Touched
Colloquially called Future Female Michael Phelps, made heads turn in her maiden Olympic race in 2012. The Washington swimmer finished the London Olympics with a gold. While it is an iconic achievement for a 15-year-old, she cherishes the moment with her idol with more delight and pride.
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Michael Phelps has Ledecky in high regard
While Ledecky called Phelps a great friend and supporter, Phelps commented once that they have known each other for a long time. Talking about her swimming skills, the 28-time Olympic medalist hailed her as the best female swimmer they have ever seen.
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 13: (BROADCAST – OUT) Swimmer, Katie Ledecky of the United States poses for a photo with her five medals on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on August 13, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Moreover, Phelps pointed out that she demonstrates fire and power in her style. Interestingly, she has broken the record for the maximum number of Athlete of the Year Awards at the Golden Goggles. With a total of 7 Olympic gold medals and 19 World Championship gold medals, the 25-year-old has every chance to cement an unparalleled legacy in the sport. Will she beat the medal tally with the swimming G.O.A.T? Leave a comment.
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Watch Story: ?Olympic Legends Simone Biles, Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky Hangout with Gold Medals Around Their Neck
