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TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 29: USA’s Kathleen Ledecky gestures after winning a heat in the women’s 800m freestyle swimming event after winning a heat for the women’s 800m freestyle swimming event within the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Elif Ozturk Ozgoncu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
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TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 29: USA’s Kathleen Ledecky gestures after winning a heat in the women’s 800m freestyle swimming event after winning a heat for the women’s 800m freestyle swimming event within the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Elif Ozturk Ozgoncu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics was surely an eventful tournament; however, not as entertaining as the Paralympics that followed. Among athletes who did remarkably well, one that stood out was swimmer Morgan Stickney. Notably, following her commendable success, Morgan received a special message from the swimming icon and her personal favorite, Katie Ledecky.
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Competing in the 400-meter freestyle competition, Morgan bagged the gold medal. Notably, Morgan is a huge fan of Katie Ledecky who, despite being dethroned by Ariarne Titmus in the 400-meter competition, remains an Olympic legend.
Katie Ledecky sends an inspiring message
In a recent interview with Ellen, Stickney spoke about how she loves Ledecky and is in awe of her achievements in the sport. Notably, while she expressed her admiration, actress Mila Kunis, who was present in the show, introduced her to Ledecky.
“I just wanna say big congratulations on your performance in Tokyo. You inspired so many people. So enjoy these moments, celebrating with your family and friends. It’s an honor to be your teammate and I can’t wait to congratulate you in person,” said Ledecky.
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TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 31: Katie Ledecky of the United States reacts after winning the 800m Freestyle for women during the Swimming Finals at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games on July 31, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Naturally, she couldn’t possibly control her emotions after this moment. Courtesy of Ellen, this memory will live in her mind forever, rent-free.
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Stickney had a great Paralympics
Meanwhile, Stickney’s performance in Tokyo helped her to claim the gold medal. She set a time of 4:42.39 seconds and took home the victory. She has been a Paralympic swimmer for three years after getting her leg amputated in 2018.
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Opening up on her astonishing achievements in Tokyo, “I remember sitting in the hospital just dreaming of being able to go to the Paralympic Games, being able to be here and then to get the gold medal is just such an honor,” said Stickney.
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TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 31: Katie Ledecky of Team United States prepares to compete in the Women’s 800m Freestyle Final at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 31, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Having admired Ledecky as a fan for years, receiving a special message now would’ve meant the world to Morgan.
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Notably, like Ledecky, Morgan too focuses on the freestyle races and looks set to have a brilliant future ahead. In the meantime, Ledecky will soon start preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics. She is already one of the greatest swimmers of all time, but winning in Paris would cement her legacy as the greatest.
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