Saddened by ‘Masculine’ Comments, Katie Ledecky Says: “No One Has Ever Told a Michael Phelps He Isn’t Hot Enough”

Three Olympic gold medals. That’s what Katie Ledecky needs to do this year at the Paris Olympics to become the top female Olympic swimmer and second among all Olympic athletes. Heading into the swimming Olympic trials, Katie shared her ambitions: “I would love to qualify in multiple events for Paris and bring home some medals.“ Known for her fierce style in the pool, Katie’s power and strength are the keys to her success.

She’s never let societal beauty standards get in the way of her goals. Female athletes, in particular, face the pressure of not only competing but also worrying about their looks and behavior outside the pool. Katie, a strong and influential voice for countless young women, has spoken out about these unrealistic standards that female athletes have to endure.

Katie Ledecky calls out the unrealistic beauty standards that pressure female athletes

In her memoir, “Just Add Water: My Swimming Life,” Katie Ledecky opened up about the pressures of being a female athlete. She wrote, “For women, there’s a whole set of contradictory and unnecessary opinions thrown our way the minute we enter the arena. About our bodies. About our looks. Social media adds fire to the flame.” She shared how this critical judgment has led to issues like eating disorders among many female athletes. Although she has not experienced this herself, she noted, “It concerns and saddens me.”

Ledecky opened up about how women are expected to be humble when they win, whereas male athletes are praised for being boastful. “We’re often told we’re too masculine, too aggressive. Or that we’re too sexy and don’t deserve to be taken seriously. Or we’re not sexy enough and still don’t deserve to be taken seriously,“ said Katie.

She believes that female athletes should be recognized solely for their performance, without needing to conform to stereotypes or look a certain way to gain recognition or advance in their careers. She pointed out that male athletes don’t face the same pressures and are validated just for their achievements.

They are not told to “smile more“ or to look a certain way, both in the sport and online. She penned, “Literally no one has ever told Michael Phelps he isn’t “hot enough.“ Despite these challenges, Ledecky emphasized the strong bond and support among female athletes.

She experienced this camaraderie on her all-girls high school team, during her college years at Stanford, and at the professional level. Reflecting on this important message from the sport’s most influential female athlete, let’s consider her powerful message to young girls and how she’s not even afraid to challenge men.

Her fierce persona and advice for young girls and aspiring swimmers

Katie Ledecky’s dominance in the pool is nothing short of incredible. With seven Olympic gold medals and 21 world championship golds—the most in history for a female swimmer—she’s a force to be reckoned with. She’s also won the most individual golds at world championships, surpassing even Michael Phelps’ record.

In a 2020 interview with swimoutlet.com, Ledecky mentioned she’d love to compete against male swimmers, saying, “I’d love to, that’d be fun. I’ve done that at a couple of me meets when I was back on the east coast. I’d love that opportunity. I’ll have to talk to some meet organizers.“

This fearless attitude has inspired countless young swimmers. She once told TODAY.com in 2015, “I would encourage you to set really high goals. Set goals that, when you set them, you think they’re impossible. But then every day you can work towards them, and anything is possible, so keep working hard and follow your dreams.”

As she heads into the Olympic trials this weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium, all eyes will be on Katie Ledecky, a staunch example for young girls everywhere. Reflecting on her insights from her memoir, what are your thoughts on Katie Ledecky’s views about female athletes and beauty standards? Share your thoughts in the comments below!