Katie Ledecky leaves California training base for Florida

Seven-time Olympic swimming gold medallist Katie Ledecky of the United States is leaving her training base at Stanford University and heading to the University of Florida.

“Stanford has been my second home for the last five years. It will always have a special place in my heart,” Ledecky wrote in an Instagram post Wednesday. “Having completed my college degree this year, I am moving east to be closer to home and family.”

Widely regarded as one of the greatest female swimmers of all time, Ledecky owns three Olympic silver medals in addition to her seven golds. She has represented the United States at three Games, including Tokyo 2020 where she won both the 800m and 1500m freestyle titles.

At Florida, Ledecky will serve as a volunteer assistant coach for the Gators and train under the guidance of head coach Anthony Nesty.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the next phase of my swimming career,” said Ledecky.

Nesty served as an assistant coach for Team USA at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He is a decorated swimmer in his own right, having won the 100m butterfly gold medal at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. He was the bronze medallist in the event four years later in Barcelona.

"The knowledge and experience that Katie brings to the pool are unparalleled," Nesty said, according to a University of Florida press release. "In addition to her obvious excellence as a swimmer, Katie is an exceptional person who will make a great impact on the student-athletes here. Katie's values are in total alignment with the Florida program, and we're so excited to have her join the Gators as she continues to train for the 2024 Olympics."