SIMPLY THE BEST

Katie Ledecky Becomes Most Decorated U.S. Female Athlete

Swimmers Jenny Thompson, Dara Torres and Natalie Coughlin are her runner-ups.

Katie Ledecky became the most decorated woman in U.S. Olympic history on Thursday after she claimed her 13th medal at the 4x200m freestyle relay race. “I try not to think about history very much. I know those names, those people I’m up with. They’re people I looked up to when I first started swimming. So it’s an honor to be named among them. I’m grateful for them inspiring me. There are so many great swimmers that have helped me get to this moment,” Ledecky said after winning gold in the women’s 1500m freestyle, according to NBC. Ledecky has won three medals at the Paris Olympics, one gold as mentioned, one bronze in the women’s 400m freestyle race and a silver in the 4x200m freestyle relay. Ledecky has won eight gold medals, her first at 15, four silvers and one bronze. Ledecky is only second to Michael Phelps in gold medals among U.S. athletes.