While skills and individual prowess are essential for success on the big stage, extra guidance can never go unappreciated. Moreover, if the tips come from a bona fide legend, then the chances of doing well become all the more promising. For Katie Ledecky, fame and glory in the Olympics aren’t anything new. However, finding swimming legend Michael Phelps hand out a few useful heads up probably made maintaining her composure in Tokyo easier.

The 2024 Olympic Team Trials will commence in Indianapolis this Saturday, and Ledecky is among the strongest contenders for a spot in Team USA once again. As Ledecky looks to add more accolades to her already illustrious resume even more than a decade after her debut on the grandest stage, here’s how the Baltimore Bullet helped her to make waves the last time.

When it comes to swimming, Michael Phelps is the benchmark that all stars aspire to replicate in their own careers. Despite his fame, the 23-time Olympic gold medalist retained a strong belief in his national teammate Ledecky, which became apparent before the 2020 Summer Olympics. “She is hands down the best female swimmer that we’ve ever seen,” opined Phelps on Katie’s status within the swimming community, according to an article by Olympics.com from 2021.

Even ahead of the Tokyo Games, Phelps was sure that the then-23-year-old would go on to enthrall her fans. Along with his confidence, Phelps also shared a few tips for Ledecky to maintain her momentum. “Go out there, have some smiles, have some laughs and perform,” advised Phelps, and Katie made sure she kept her smile on as she went on to haul four medals (two of the gold) and once again display her mettle in all its glory.

With such a towering figure coming to her aid, Ledecky has managed to rise to the highest pantheons of swimming herself. Her career trajectory has been exquisite, to say the least, but even she probably didn’t expect to pull off some of the feats she has achieved over the years.

Rising above even the iconic Michael Phelps

Last year, Katie attained a milestone that placed her in a club where even Phelps isn’t a member. At the 2023 World Aquatic Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, Ledecky surpassed Michael’s record for most individual world titles. At the tournament, the American swimmer won the 800m freestyle gold for a staggering eighth time, making her the swimmer to have the longest streak of winning the same event title at the World Championships. “I know Michael, I know how many events he swam at meets like this…It’s an honor to even be in that same sentence.” said the Mayland native after achieving the historic feat.

And now, Katie is eyeing to push further and add to her stacked resume once again. Aiming to represent the USA for a fourth time, she is virtually locked for a spot in the national team for the women’s 1500m freestyle, women’s 800m freestyle and women’s 400m freestyle, 200m freestyle, and the 4x200m freestyle relay events. Ahead of the Team Trials, Ledecky is also set to release her memoir “Just Add Water” on June 11, which will chronicle her journey as a swimmer over the years.

Now, as all eyes turn to the Lucas Oil Stadium, it waits to be seen if Ledecky can make her dreams into a reality and go on to seal her place in Team USA one more time.