Katie Ledecky and Torri Huske are two distinct names in US swimming. One started her Olympic journey in 2012 in London, when the latter was just 8 or 9 years old. At the same Olympics, Katie took her first individual Olympic gold. However, to claim her first individual one, Torri had to wait for the 2024 Paris Olympics. On the other hand, the Bethesda-born is touted to be the last word in the women’s 1500m free event, claiming two Olympic golds and 19 top timings. However, Huske has etched her name in the annals of the women’s 100-meter butterfly event. Though she has yet to get an undisputed reign as Ledecky holds in long-distance swimming. Yet, the duo has a similarity, and that generates pride in Torri. 

Just like Katie Ledecky, Torri Huske hails from Stanford University. However, Katie belonged to a much more senior group, spending the 2016-18 season. Yet her achievements in the camp still send jitters for a junior like Torri. Additionally, those records have inspired her to go big in the swimming pools. An example of it came in the French capital.

In Paris, the latter snagged three Olympic golds, and one of those came in the 100m butterfly, Torri’s signature event. During that timeline, she watched Ledecky closely, claiming her historical feat of being the most decorated female swimmer at the Olympics. As a result, her fandom for the 27-year-old found an extra dimension. Overall, it was the full circle moment for the Virginia native, fulfilling all her childhood dreams. 

In a recent interaction with Brett Hawke, Torri Huske informed him about her long-cherished devotion to Katie Ledecky. She has been watching the latter since the 2012 Olympics. That zeal of watching her make records in the swimming pool had motivated Huske to aim for the Olympics. Subsequently, with the years, Torri’s bucket list increased as she also aimed to enter Ledecky’s alma mater, Stanford University. On this subject, Torri said, “It would be so cool if I could be like them you know like go to the Olympics, win gold and go to Stanford like those were like all the things that I thought were just like the coolest things ever.” 

Meanwhile, she added another Stanford legend’s identity, who had played almost a similar role for her in joining the revered academic fold. In the conversation, Brent aired Mia Paulsen’s name, another esteemed alumnus from Stanford. Torri Huske took no time to agree with that and accepted that Paulson had a role to play in her motivation part. With a positive tone, the 21-year-old conceded, “They inspired me.” Notably, Mia served her time at Stanford from 2017 to 2020. During this, she established herself as a phenomenal diver. 

Just like Katie Ledecky and Mia Paulsen in their Stanford years, Torri Huske has made herself a force to be reckoned with in college contests as well. Her resume includes several Pac-12 laurels and a school record in the 100 butterfly event. Not only that, but she also received honorable mentions in other events such as the 100, 200, and 800 free relay and the 200 medley. Indeed, she found her motivation from her Cardinal senior. However, in Paris, this motivation boosted her to break a jinx. 

Motivated by Katie Ledecky, fueled by rage! 

“I’m not going to lie, that was devastating. But I think that really fueled me, and it did make me better,” commented Torri Huske after her historical victory at the women’s 100-meter butterfly event. To claim this victory at Bercy Arena, she had to counter her compatriot, Gretchen Walsh, who had already scored the Olympic record in the semifinal. Furthermore, in the US swimming trials, the UVA swimmer achieved the world record, uprooting Sarah Sjostrom’s timing. But with her, Torri had to fight with her setback faced at the Tokyo Olympics. 

Three years ago, Maggie MacNeil claimed the crown in the event. Meanwhile, China’s Zhang Yufei took the third rank, and Torri missed the position by 0.01 seconds. Calling herself “Naive”, the crestfallen voice clarified that her entire goal had been “to just make the team.” But this time in the Olympics, she didn’t appear with such a mindset. 

Rather, after defeating Gretchen, Torri said, “I know now how hard it is to medal.” With Katie Ledecky captaining the swimming squad, that could be a positive aspect regarding the change in mindset. Furthermore, just like Katie, Torri Huske now knows how to use the timing effectively.

In her Stanford years, the latter took a break to avoid other pressures and invest her time in swimming. The result was stunning, as she said, “I was able to recover way better.” Now as Torri advances to another year at competitive swimming, it will be interesting to see how Katie Ledecky continues to be her guiding light. What are your thoughts on her wholesome words? Share in the comments below!