Katie Ledecky

U.S. Olympic gold medalist

Fall Convocation

Friday, September 26, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
Schar Center

Katie Ledecky is renowned as one of the greatest athletes of her generation. With 14 Olympic medals and 21 World Championship titles — the most ever by a female Olympian— she has shattered records and set new standards of excellence. Ledecky’s journey began at the 2012 London Olympics, where, at just 15, she became the youngest U.S. Olympian and won her first gold medal in the 800-meter freestyle, signaling the start of a historic career.

Ledecky solidified her legacy in 2016 when she captured four Olympic gold medals and a silver in Rio, making her the most successful U.S. female athlete at a single Olympic Games. In Tokyo 2020, she made history again by winning the inaugural women’s 1,500-meter freestyle and becoming the first woman to three-peat in the 800-meter freestyle. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ledecky continued to break records by winning four additional medals.

Off the podium, Ledecky shares her journey and insights through her memoir “Just Add Water,” drawing from her experiences as an iconic swimmer and offering lessons in perseverance and achievement.

Beyond swimming, Ledecky excelled at Stanford University, winning eight NCAA titles and championing STEM education initiatives. Accolades include eight Golden Goggles as Female Swimmer of the Year, two AP Female Athlete of the Year awards and recognition on the Time 100 list.