Katie Ledecky Won Olympic Gold at 15. At 28, She Was Faster Than Ever
Thirteen years after becoming an Olympic champion, Ledecky did something even more remarkable: she broke another world record.
Athletes World
• 7 time Olympic Medalist Katie Ledecky at the ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building in Red, White and Blue on August 12, 2021 in New York City.
• Licensed Photo: MediaPunch Inc / Alamy
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Katie Ledecky was 15 when she stunned the swimming world by winning the 800-meter freestyle at the 2012 London Olympics.
Thirteen years later, she swam it faster than ever.
In May 2025, the 28-year-old finished the 800 in 8:04.12, breaking the world record she had set at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Nearly nine years after reaching what appeared to be her peak speed in the event, Ledecky had found another 0.67 seconds. (World Aquatics, 2025)
Thirteen years later, she swam it faster than ever.
In May 2025, the 28-year-old finished the 800 in 8:04.12, breaking the world record she had set at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Nearly nine years after reaching what appeared to be her peak speed in the event, Ledecky had found another 0.67 seconds. (World Aquatics, 2025)
