Long before Katie Ledecky would go on to become a 10x Olympic medalist or even break Michael Phelps’ records in the pool, she found herself in competition with another Michael—her older brother. They dove into the world of swimming together, and Michael, older and wiser in the pool, initially served as Katie’s inspiration.

However, as Katie’s talent blossomed, and she began outpacing her brother, their friendly rivalry took on new dimensions. Katie revealed a particular moment when her dominance in the pool led to an unexpected outburst from Michael after a tough loss.

Katie Ledecky recounts her brother Michael’s outburst after their competition

In an excerpt from her memoir, “Just Add Water: My Swimming Life,” Katie Ledecky reveals how Michael initially took pride in supporting her swimming journey and celebrating her victories, without comparing their achievements directly. But as Katie began to excel and surpass Michael’s times in competitions, he struggled emotionally. She shared how Michael expressed his frustration and inadequacy in his essay for his junior-year English class.

Katie shared the essay that read, “Each event burdened me with new layers of exasperation that gradually crushed me. By the final day of the meet, only a brittle shell of a swimmer remained in my spot on the pool deck. How Katie managed to surpass me in my primary sport baffled me… Why can’t I beat my younger sister?“ Their competitive dynamics intensified during a 200-meter freestyle race where Michael desperately wanted to prove his superiority but ended up losing to Katie.

This defeat led to a visible outburst and she shared, “When I beat him, he ripped his goggles off, breaking them in half. Something that embarrassed him almost as soon as he’d done it. As he explains now, he was freaking out because the race showed his lack of personal progress.” So how did Michael eventually overcome this intense sense of competition and find success alongside his sister?

How did Michael Ledecky get over this competitive rivalry with his sister?

Katie Ledecky’s brother faced not just personal aspirations but also the pressure to perform well for his high school team and potentially secure a spot on an Ivy League team. However, over time, he found a way to reconcile his competitive challenges. Katie Ledecky shared, “He felt a good deal better (and, at that point, proud) when he noticed several months later that my times were faster than everybody else’s at his all-boys high school.” 

This realization brought him a sense of pride and relief, as it validated his sister’s exceptional talent and, in a way, reflected positively on his own abilities as well. To cope with the competitive gap, Michael strategically shifted his focus from longer-distance events, where Katie consistently excelled, to sprint freestyle races.

This adjustment allowed him to find a niche where he could compete more closely with Katie, at least temporarily. This transition not only helped him regain confidence but also allowed him to continue enjoying and advancing in his swimming career alongside his sister. Despite their initial rivalry, Michael took pride in his sister’s achievements as they grew older. A notable moment came when he watched her clinch her first Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

He shared, “I‘ve been on these international trips since 2012 when she broke in at London, and it’s always just a highlight of my summer. I love watching her swim.” As Katie Ledecky prepares for her fourth Olympic run at the Paris Olympics and Michael continues to cheer her on, their bond remains strong. What are your thoughts on this unique sibling relationship? Share in the comments below!