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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)
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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)
The women’s swimming circuit has talented swimmers across generations but hardly a few are as talented as Katie Ledecky. Making her debut at the age of 15 in 2012, she is currently one of the best swimmers in the world. By winning seven Olympic gold medals, she is one of the best in the world. A generational talent, her swimming technique helps her in dominating the 800 and 1500-meter freestyle competitions. But now, she is focusing on the 100-meters freestyle competition.
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The long-distance swimming specialist is looking to step back from her signature events and going to swim the 100-meters.
Katie Ledecky to challenge herself in the 100-meters
During the swimming competitions at the Westmont Pro Swim, Ledecky did not take part in the 200-meter freestyle and took part in the 400-meter individual medley. It is one event that Michael Phelps loved and is the current world record holder. Whether Ledecky is following in his footsteps is something out for debate. After taking part in the event, she finished third behind Hali Flickinger and Leah Smith.
READ MORE- In What Events Did Michael Phelps Win His 28 Record Breaking Olympic Medals?
Although many touted it as a one-off thing, she is doing it again at the San Antonio Pro Swim. Instead of swimming in the 800 and 1500-meters freestyle, she has her sights set on the 100, 200, and 400 meters freestyle events. The golden girl swims the 100-meters at times during off-seasons. In addition, she won the silver medal for Team USA’s 4×100 freestyle relay at the 2016 Rio Olympics as she has some experience in the event. Hence, things are cooking for Ledecky.
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TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 28: Katie Ledecky of Team United States celebrates after winning the Women’s 1500m Freestyle Final on day five of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 28, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Is she challenging Michael Phelps’ record?
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She won her first gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the 800-meters. Following that, she repeated the same feat at the 2016 Rio Olympics while also winning gold medals in 200 and 400-meters freestyle, as well as, a couple of relay events. Hence, the addition of 100-meter freestyle and 400-meters individual medley paves the way for different storylines. Phelps won a record-breaking eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Can she repeat the same at the 2024 Paris Olympics?
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 07: Michael Phelps of the United States celebrates after winning the gold medal in the Men’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on August 7, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The gold medal is the 19th of Phelps career. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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There are many questions left to be answered. Focusing on the task ahead, she has two years to perfect other strokes. History beckons for Katie Ledecky at the next Olympic Games. Do you think she can win eight gold medals?
