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A dejected Michael Phelps looks to the scoreboard after finishing out of the money in the Men’s 400M Individual Medley at the London 2012 Olympic Games Aquatic Center. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
via Getty
A dejected Michael Phelps looks to the scoreboard after finishing out of the money in the Men’s 400M Individual Medley at the London 2012 Olympic Games Aquatic Center. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in history, and indubitably the greatest swimmer to step into the pool. He’s had healthy rivalries throughout his career, but never has he questioned his ability to stand atop the podium.
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But the swimming legend Katie Ledecky is in a league of her own. With the biggest time differences seen in the sport, Ledecky dominates the women’s swim competitions. And even Michael Phelps isn’t sure he could challenge her long-course training.
Michael Phelps praises Katie Ledecky
Just last year, Michael Phelps, the swimming GOAT, admitted that Katie Ledecky could have easily beat him if they were to compete against each other in the pool. The 25-year-old swimmer won 4 Olympic titles in 2016 and followed it with two golds and two silvers at the Tokyo Games.
Working as a correspondent for NBC during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Michael Phelps shared insight into Katie Ledecky’s ferocity during training. He sang praises of the swimmer and even admitted she terrified him a little.
"She would've destroyed me."@MichaelPhelps talking about training with @katieledecky.#RealRespectReal | #OHTSupportHER pic.twitter.com/erS4qxfuDs
— On Her Turf (@OnHerTurf) July 26, 2021
“I had the privilege to train with her at the last training camp, in 2016. I’m very happy that she didn’t do the exact set with us that day because she would’ve destroyed me,” Phelps said with a laugh. “Oh my gosh, her long course, when she trains — oh, she’s incredible.”
That’s right. The man who brought home 23 Olympic gold medals in his career felt threatened by Ledecky’s prowess in the pool. She has broken multiple records and holds the fastest-ever times in the women’s 500-, 1000-, and 1650-yard freestyle events.
Ledecky at the 2022 ESPY Awards
The 2022 ESPY Awards took place Wednesday, where Katie Ledecky received the Best Athlete Award in the Women’s Sports category. With 22 World Championships medals, Ledecky is the most decorated female swimmer in history.
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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)
“I represent one of the few sports that is also a really important life skill, so I want to encourage all the parents here, anyone watching, to make sure your kids learn how to swim,” Ledecky said in her speech. “Our planet is 70% water, so it’s very important.”
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“To all of the young athletes out there, … find something that you really love, that you’re good at, that can be a positive force in our world.”
—Katie Ledecky with a message after winning the ESPY for Best Athlete, Women's Sports 💪 pic.twitter.com/t1mZLyVlxJ
— ESPN (@espn) July 21, 2022
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She inspired the youth to chase after their dreams, to “find something you really love, that you’re good at, that can be a positive force in our world.” Just last month, Ledecky participated in four events at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships and won every single one. It’s no surprise that even Phelps feels a little intimidated.
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