‘Secretive’ Katie Ledecky Sends Strong Message to Media Ahead of Paris Olympics: “I Don’t Share”

Just as intended, Katie Ledecky has returned from Indianapolis with her hands full and her heart satiated. The 7x Olympic medalist had participated in 4 events at the US Olympic Trials, where she passed with distinction. Finishing at the top of the table across the 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m categories, she proved that no distance is unattainable for the versatile luminary.

However, amidst the winning celebrations, Ledecky has fired off a firm message for the media. What triggered her to do this? Let’s have a look.

Ledecky plans on keeping her mantra a ‘secret’

Following her commendable achievement at the Lucas Oil Stadium, the internet is going gaga, pulling out possibilities of historic records that Ledecky could set in Paris. This was when the 21-time world champion stumbled across the fact that her 800m freestyle victory in Paris would make her the first woman to win four straight gold medals in the event. Reacting to such potential chances, the veteran replied, “I just stay focused on my own goals,” as per the Swimming World Magazine. Moreover, addressing the media, she confessed, “And I know I don’t share my goals with you guys…”

Apparently, Ledecky likes to keep her objectives a secret. Rather than fazing her mind with record-shattering prospects, she quietly works towards her goals. And evidently, this Ledecky-special formula has worked wondrously for her. However, the star swimmer’s reason behind this is very simple and understandable. She continues, “But I will share that my goals are not to be the first person to do this, to be the first person to do that and join this person and this person as the only ones that have done this.”

Evidently, Ledecky is not aiming to be in the limelight as the creator of historic records, instead, she wants to achieve the targets that she has personally set for herself. You must be wondering what makes those scenarios different. Wait till you read what Ledecky says. She expresses, “My goals are very time-focused and splits-focused and technically focused.” As it appears, for Ledecky, each lap matters, every timing counts.

It seems nothing stands between Ledecky and her technique-driven preparation and she intends to keep it that way. Nonetheless, she respectfully says, “The rest is what it is. And you guys can write about it. You guys can focus on it. But personally, I’m just going to stay focused on my own goals.”  Ledecky draws a boundary very gracefully. It looks like she is doing what is best for her optimal performance in the water.

However, this is not the first time Ledecky has voiced out her approaching towards the sport. Earlier this year, Ledecky had discussed her expectations from herself.

Katie Ledecky spills the tea on her self-expectations

Besides single-mindedly approaching her goals, Ledecky also sets substantial marks for herself. As per USA Today, while speaking of her plans for the Olympics, she noted, “Racing is tough, and there are a lot of great athletes out there. Knowing that she would really have to grind in the coming months, she also agreed, “I know I have to be on top of my game in a couple months.” 

This made her touch upon the lofty expectations that she has to fulfill. She remarked, “I know there are expectations, but I stay very focused on my personal expectations, which are probably just as high or higher than anyone else’s.” Evidently, Ledecky sets a benchmark for herself, which she agrees is as sizeable as what others expect from her.

Moreover, in the coming month, all of these methods that Ledecky follows would be put to test. What do you think will be the result? Will she return from Paris full handed?