Nationality: United States
Inducted: 2025
Notable Record(s):
- Most women’s World Championship swimming medals
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Most World Championship individual golds
An ICON because...
Born in Washington, DC, 14-time Olympic medallist and nine-time Athlete of the Year Katie Ledecky (USA) is a powerhouse in and out of the water.
Praised for her outstanding skills and her strong-willed dedication during practice, Katie secured a place among the greatest distance swimmers in history after she conquered her ninth Olympic gold during Paris 2024. She is often regarded as one of the best pro athletes in the world.
The swimmer started competing when she was only six years old. She made a splash after her international debut at the London 2012 Summer Olympics: aged 15, she was the youngest American athlete at the 2012 Games. At only 16, Katie set her very first world record: the first of many. After that, collecting win after win, the pro swimmer proved to be in a league of her own.
Off the blocks, Katie's legacy is equally awe-inspiring.
Author of Just Add Water and relentless motivator, Katie's immense love for swimming and her unshakable mental fortitude turned her into a role model for young athletes worldwide, demonstrating that greatness is earned through hard work.
