Katie Ledecky Will Miss Conquering Over Michael Phelps’ Record Despite Being Close- Here’s Why

In the world of swimming, Michael Phelps was the symbol of brilliance for many. He left the pool with countless medals, records, and accolades. Naturally, it left a huge void in the swimming world. However, Katie Ledecky is coming of age in the last two Olympics and continues to get stronger with each swim. The incredible freestyle swimmer’s performances are legendary.

So, heading to Hungary, she had the opportunity to equal Phelps’ individual gold medals tally. Sadly, she won’t. Ledecky pulled out of the 200-meters competition and if she wins three, she will only reach 14 gold medals.

Katie Ledecky focused on quality swimming

The World Championships is the second most important competition for swimmers after the Olympics. After winning 23 Olympic gold medals, Phelps won 15 individual gold medals from 2001 to 2011. Rarely do swimmers showcase that level of dominance. Coming to the forefront is Ledecky, who is incredible, and won many gold medals for herself. As of now, she won 11 individual gold medals at the World Championships.

The sensational Ledecky specializes in 200, 400, 800, and 1500-meters competitions. Despite posting great times in the 200-meters US trials, she stepped out of the competition as she wants to focus on swimming quality rather than quantity.

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“I definitely have always been somebody that’s valued quality of swims over quantity and medals. And I’ve never set goals for a certain number of medals or certain records like that,” said Ledecky.

A missed opportunity?

Whether this is a missed opportunity or not is something that cannot be predicted. As strong as she is in the 800 and 1500-meters, her 400m and 200m are not her strong points. To sum up, Ariarne Titmus took home the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, defeating Ledecky in her signature competition. But Titmus opted out of the Worlds and refocused on the Commonwealth Games. Nonetheless, she posted a key challenge to Ledecky as this may be a missed opportunity for her.

Back at the 2015 World Championships, Ledecky won the gold medal in the aforementioned four signature events. Not able to compete in the 200m, she may have missed out on an opportunity to create history. Despite that record insight, Ledecky is looking forward to the World Championships and aims to provide a sensational performance in Hungary.

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