Katie Ledecky's life-long journals to be released as a memoir
Katie Ledecky's astonishing career in swimming is soon going to be immortalised in a book.
On June 11th, four days before the US Olympic Swimming Trials, the seven-time Olympic gold medallist’s autobiography “Just Add Water” will be released.
Her memoir will cover her swimming origins in Maryland, to her evolution as one of the world's greatest ever athletes.
“I never imagined I would make it to the Olympics, or be at this level, or write a book about this unlikely career that I’ve had," Ledecky, who turns 27 today (March 17), said in a press release from Simon & Schuster.
“I first started keeping a journal when I was 14 years old, to document my training in the lead-up to the 2012 London Olympics.
“Paging through them last year, I realised these journals included elements of my wider story in swimming. I also wanted to be able to show that I wouldn’t be where I am without the love, support, and encouragement of people who have influenced me.”
How Katie Ledecky could break more records at Paris 2024
Ledecky, who has also completed a psychology degree with a minor in political science from Stanford University, is regarded as the greatest female swimmer of all time.
After winning freestyle 800m Olympic gold as a 15-year-old on her Olympic debut at London 2012, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of the sport.
To date, the Maryland native has won seven Olympic gold medals, the most individual Olympic titles for a female swimmer in history.
She also owns a women’s record 26 world championships medals, and has broken world records in the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle.
Ledecky went unbeaten in the 800 freestyle for 13 years until February 2024, when 17-year-old Summer McIntosh produced the second-fastest time in history of 8.11.39 at the Southern Zone South Sectional Championships meet in Orlando, Florida, to finish almost six seconds ahead of her rival.
If selected, it would be fascinating to see a rematch between the two at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, where Ledecky could become the oldest US female swimmer to win individual Olympic gold by two years.