With the Paris Olympics almost upon us, all eyes are on the athletes. However, among the many athletes looking to earn Olympic glory, some like Katie Ledecky stand on the cusp of making history. The U.S. swimming icon is already the most decorated woman in competitive swimming. However, she has a chance to not break one, but two records in Paris.

Earlier today, Swim Stats posted made an intriguing post on X. The swimming news page posted about nine swimming events where the Olympic champion has failed to defend their titles. Despite the long history of the Olympics, “there has never been a swimmer who has managed to repeat as an Olympic champion. Will any swimmer achieve this feat in Paris?” wrote Swimming Stats.

Interestingly, all categories belonged to women. However, Katie Ledecky, the most prolific champion in women’s swimming history, has the opportunity to break the deadlock in the 1500m freestyle. The seven-time Olympic gold medalist won the 1500m freestyle gold in Tokyo with a time of 15:37.34. However, as the world record holder in the 1500m freestyle, she has proven she can go much faster, as evidenced by her performance in 2018.

In fact, Ledecky has broken her own record five times, reducing it to 15:20.48. She also appears to be in great form, having comfortably won the 1500m freestyle at the U.S. Trials with a time of 15:37.35. However, this is not the only record Ledecky has the opportunity to break. The seven-time Olympic gold medalist has the chance to become the most decorated woman in Olympic history, regardless of sport.

As things stand, the 27-year-old is tied with German equestrian Isabell Werth with seven golds. However, even if Werth wins two more gold medals to tie the current record-holder, Larisa Latynina, the swimmer could earn four. Achieving this feat would make her the new record holder, but it won’t be easy.

Katie Ledecky’s will have to overcome serious competition

The 21x world championships gold medal winner will compete in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle individual events in Paris. Her fourth event will be the 4×200 relay. However, despite her phenomenal track record, Ledecky will have to deal with stiff competition from the likes of Ariarne Titmus, Summer McIntosh, and other world-class swimmers.

Although the 8x Pan Pacific champ swam the 400m in 3:58.30 at the U.S. Trials, Titmus did the same in 3:55.44. The Australian will also challenge the Tokyo 2020 800m gold medalist in Paris. Besides Titmus, Katie Ledecky also has to contend with young Canadian Summer McIntosh, who set a new 400m medley world record at the Canadian Trials, making her a threat in the 400m freestyle as well. Finally, the now four-time Olympian’s teammates, including Katie Grimes, will give her a run for her money in the 1500m.

Katie Ledecky is already a legend in the world of swimming. However, becoming the most decorated female Olympian would elevate the swimmer to the undisputed GOAT of women’s swimming. Do you think Ledecky will break both records? Tell us in the comments.