“Lebron (James) of Swimming”: Katie Ledecky Receives Special Honor From Tennessee Star After Punching Paris Olympics Ticket

Katie Ledecky is well on course for her eighth Olympic gold medal and she ain’t stopping for no one! At the 2024 US Olympic trials, Ledecky swooped her ticket to Paris! And soon after her antics in the water, the swimming world was left dumbstruck. With seven Olympic gold medals and 21 World Championship medals already at hand, she is just three more Olympic gold shy of becoming the most decorated female athlete in sports history. And back in 2023, Ledecky also overtook the legend Michael Phelps. 

Katie Ledecky won her 16th world title in Fukuoka to surpass Phelps for most individual world swimming titles. Thus, it is only viable that fans will have some wild comparisons in mind watching Ledecky ascend to the pinnacle. Likewise, Tyreke Key, a swim enthusiast and an NBA prospect has compared Katie Ledecky with NBA legend, LeBron James. Kit Hanley, another X user liked what Hill said and reposted Key’s words. Hill’s post read, “‘Is Katie Ledecky like the Lebron of swimming?’ @TyrekeKey He’s catching on well…😆”

Well, as a matter of fact, LeBron James has won the NBA title four times. And on all four occasions, James was named as the MVP. This goes on to show the sheer dominance of James in the NBA circuit, much like Ledecky in the water. Thus, it was not at all surprising that the Tennessee basketball player, Tyreke Key deduced such a comparison. Meanwhile, speaking of LeBron James, Katie Ledecky already seems to have been a fan of LeBron James. 

Katie Ledecky stunned by LeBron James’ presence

Katie Ledecky rubbed shoulders with LeBron James back in 2012. It was during the London Olympics where both Ledecky and James were representing Team USA in their respective sports. While speaking in an interview with the Fitter and Faster Swim Champs, Ledecky detailed her magical experience. She stated that barring the basketball team, all other athletes stayed together at the village. This gave them the opportunity to bond with each othet during the games. 

Thus, in order to socialize with their fellow athletes, the basketball team also stopped by. This was when Ledecky met LeBron James and was starstruck. Detailing her time with the legend, Ledecky stated, “There was one point where we were sitting on this bench. And LeBron James just came over and sat right on the bench.” She further said, “And I think I was on the end of the bench. So he’s basically like, you know, sitting right next to me, and there I met some of the other basketball players.”

Thus, getting compared to someone whom Ledecky once was in awe of shows how well the swimming icon has paced her career. And with the ticket to Paris now sealed, Ledecky will be looking to extend her reign of dominance and seal her spot as a legend forever.