More
- Classifieds
- Cars
- Deals
- Real Estate
- Rentals
- Photos
- Blogs

Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky hasn’t outgrown high school swimming

Months after winning Olympic gold, Katie Ledecky, 15, is back swimming for Stone Ridge in local high school competition.

5 Seconds

00:00

00:00

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

Months after winning an Olympic gold medal in London, Katie Ledecky, a sophomore at Stone Ridge, left, is back swimming with her high school team. Ledecky is something of a spectacle at her high school meets, but is back in her normal routine.

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

Ledecky, right, bows her head with her teammates before competing in the girls' 400-yard freestyle relay at the Interstate School League Swim and Diving Championships. Ledecky said the team aspect of high school competition is a main reason she returned to swim in scholastic meets.

Ledecky, right, bows her head with her teammates before competing in the girls' 400-yard freestyle relay at the Interstate School League Swim and Diving Championships. Ledecky said the team aspect of high school competition is a main reason she returned to swim in scholastic meets.

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

Ledecky, left, celebrates with her team after winning the ISL Swim and Diving Championships. “These are some of my best friends,' Ledecky said, 'and I know they’ll be my best friends in 20, 30, 40 years.”

Ledecky, left, celebrates with her team after winning the ISL Swim and Diving Championships. “These are some of my best friends," Ledecky said, "and I know they’ll be my best friends in 20, 30, 40 years.”

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

Ledecky, third from right, cheers with her team as Stone Ridge assistant swim coach Paul Boman, center, gets ready to jump into the water after the Gators won the ISL championships.

Ledecky, third from right, cheers with her team as Stone Ridge assistant swim coach Paul Boman, center, gets ready to jump into the water after the Gators won the ISL championships.

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

Ledecky competed in the 500 freestyle at the ISL championships and lapped the field. When she was done, Ledecky stood in the water and relaxed against the edge of the pool while everybody else finished the race.

Ledecky competed in the 500 freestyle at the ISL championships and lapped the field. When she was done, Ledecky stood in the water and relaxed against the edge of the pool while everybody else finished the race.

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

Despite gaining international celebrity after her performance in London, Ledecky said she doesn't feel any pressure when she competes. “It’s not something where I feel like, ‘Oh I’m an Olympic gold medalist, I better win this race or else it’s going to look really silly.’ I don’t feel that at all. There are great swimmers in the area, and if I don’t win, it’s fine.”

Despite gaining international celebrity after her performance in London, Ledecky said she doesn't feel any pressure when she competes. “It’s not something where I feel like, ‘Oh I’m an Olympic gold medalist, I better win this race or else it’s going to look really silly.’ I don’t feel that at all. There are great swimmers in the area, and if I don’t win, it’s fine.”

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

Ledecky, bottom right, warms up during the halftime break of the ISL championships. Ledecky spends about 20 hours a week in the pool, splitting time between commitments to the Nation’s Capital Swim Club and her high school team.

Ledecky, bottom right, warms up during the halftime break of the ISL championships. Ledecky spends about 20 hours a week in the pool, splitting time between commitments to the Nation’s Capital Swim Club and her high school team.

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

Other swimmers on deck take cell phone pictures of Ledecky as she swims during the ISL Championships. Ledecky, only 15, has taught herself to deal with the hoopla surrounding her events.

Other swimmers on deck take cell phone pictures of Ledecky as she swims during the ISL Championships. Ledecky, only 15, has taught herself to deal with the hoopla surrounding her events.

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

Ledecky, left, cheers on one of her teammates while competing in the ISL championships. Ledecky is just another member of the team when the Gators chant and huddle before and after meets.

Ledecky, left, cheers on one of her teammates while competing in the ISL championships. Ledecky is just another member of the team when the Gators chant and huddle before and after meets.

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

One of Ledecky's teammates said she didn't even 'consider' that Ledecky wouldn't come back and swim for Stone Ridge. Gators swimmers have a unique opportunity to swim with an Olympian.

One of Ledecky's teammates said she didn't even "consider" that Ledecky wouldn't come back and swim for Stone Ridge. Gators swimmers have a unique opportunity to swim with an Olympian.

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

Ledecky, right, goes over a heat list with Laura Garcia, left, before competing in the ISL championships.

Ledecky, right, goes over a heat list with Laura Garcia, left, before competing in the ISL championships.

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

Ledecky prepares to swim in a race at the ISL championships. Ledecky is enjoying the pageantry of high school swimming rather than the cutthroat nature of international competition.

Ledecky prepares to swim in a race at the ISL championships. Ledecky is enjoying the pageantry of high school swimming rather than the cutthroat nature of international competition.

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

Ledecky won gold in the women's 800-meter freestyle on Aug. 3, 2012 during the London Olympics. Even as she competes for Stone Ridge, Ledecky occasionally has flashbacks to her record-breaking performance on the world's biggest stage.

Ledecky won gold in the women's 800-meter freestyle on Aug. 3, 2012 during the London Olympics. Even as she competes for Stone Ridge, Ledecky occasionally has flashbacks to her record-breaking performance on the world's biggest stage.

Fabrice Coffrini / AFP/Getty Images

Ledecky won the 800-meter freestyle in London by more than four seconds, shattering the American record. “Every race that I have, whether it’s a high school meet or a race at the Olympics,” Ledecky said, “I never feel the pressure.”

Ledecky won the 800-meter freestyle in London by more than four seconds, shattering the American record. “Every race that I have, whether it’s a high school meet or a race at the Olympics,” Ledecky said, “I never feel the pressure.”

Toni L. Sandys / The Washington Post

FEATURED PHOTO GALLERIES

HOUSTON, TX—APRIL 25: Naomi Haskell poses for a portrait with her son, Spencer, 19, at her home in suburban Houston, Texas, on Thursday, April 25, 2013. Since he was diagnosed with a type of schizophrenia two years ago, her focus has been on keeping him well. (Photo by Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post)

A mom and her son face the challenge of mental illness

Naomi Haskell helps her son Spencer deal with the challenges presented by his schizophrenia. She spends her days torn between worry and hope...

ANNAPOLIS MD: MAY 24
The Class of 2013 culminates their commissioning ceremony with the hat toss, a traditional ending to the ceremony, originated at the Naval Academy in 1912. The 'hat toss' has since become a symbolic and visual end to the four-year program. Photographed at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland on May 24, 2013.
(Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

They tossed their caps in Annapolis

The 2013 Class of the U.S. Naval Academy holds its graduation and commissioning ceremonies. President Obama spoke at the graduation.

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 19: Mark Melancon #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros during the game on May 19, 2013 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Pirates defeated the Astros 1-0. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

MLB power rankings

Barry Svrluga assesses the best teams in Major League Baseball through Thursday.

epa03714567 A Thai Buddhist family take an offering of lotus flowers to pay respects to a giant Buddha surrounded by more than 1,000 smaller Buddha statues at a Buddhism Park, on Vesak or Visakha Bucha day, in Nakhon Nayok, north of Bangkok, Thailand, 24 May 2013. Buddhist devotees throughout the world offer blessings at temples to mark one of the holiest days in Buddhism, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and the death of Buddha. EPA/BARBARA WALTON

Photos of the day

Buddhist Wesak festival, prisoners-of-war reunion, bridge collapse, world’s largest Lego model and more.

SILVER SPRING MD: MAY 18
from left to right, Bodybuilders Jorge Villatoro, Sidney Bumbrey, Eric Holmes and Ron Coleman show off their most muscular poses for the judges at the 2013 Musclemania - Capital Tournament of Champions Contest held at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring, Maryland on May 18, 2013.
(Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

Flexing their muscles

Dozens of bodybuilders came out to Silver Spring to compete in the 2013 Musclemania Capital Tournament of Champions.

epa03714543 US actress Carmen Electra arrives for the Life Ball gala, at the airport Schwechat, in Vienna, Austria, 24 May 2013. The 21th Life Ball, an annual fundraising charity event for HIV and Aids projects, takes place at the Vienna City-Hall on 25 May 2013. EPA/HERBERT NEUBAUER

Eye on entertainment

Carmen Electra, Barbara Eden, Sharon Stone, Goldie Hawn, Jaden Smith and more.

MOORE, OK - MAY 24: A 'For Sale' sign hangs in a tree in a storm ravaged neighborhood on May 24, 2013 in Moore, Oklahoma. The tornado of EF5 strength and two miles wide touched down May 20 killing at least 24 people and leaving behind extensive damage to homes and businesses. U.S. President Barack Obama promised federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Assessing tornado damage in Oklahoma

Amid great destruction, residents of the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore begin to assess the severity of the twister that hit Monday.

WASHINGTON DC: MAY 22
Contestant Travis Rumans, 31 dances with his beloved glow sticks for talent at Penn Social in Washington, DC on May 22, 2013. The contestants help raise over $15,000 for the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
The Mr. DC pageant is a fundraising event to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
The qualifications for the Mr. District of Columbia finalists is that they must live, work and attend school in the District of Columbia between the ages of 21-30 who are unmarried, intelligent, and dapper in a suit.
(Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

Mr. D.C. Pageant contestants compete for charity

Contestants in the Mr. D.C. Pageant, a fundraising event, helped raise more than $15,000 for the Children’s National Medical Center.

Back to Previous Gallery

Discussion Policy | FAQ | About Discussions

Loading...

Comments

Add your comment

Read what others are saying About Badges

SuperFan Badge

SuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams.

More about badges | Request a badge

Culture Connoisseur Badge

Culture Connoisseurs consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on the arts, lifestyle and entertainment.

More about badges | Request a badge

Fact Checker Badge

Fact Checkers contribute questions, information and facts to The Fact Checker.

More about badges | Request a badge

Washingtologist Badge

Washingtologists consistently post thought-provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Writer Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer.

Post Forum Badge

Post Forum members consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on politics, national and international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Weather Watcher Badge

Weather Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on climates and forecasts.

More about badges | Request a badge

World Watcher Badge

World Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Contributor Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post contributor. Post contributors aren’t staff, but may write articles or columns. In some cases, contributors are sources or experts quoted in a story.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Recommended

Washington Post reporters or editors recommend this comment or reader post.

You must be logged in to report a comment.

Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.

All comments are posted in the All Comments tab.

More about badges

Get a badge

To pause and restart automatic updates, click "Live" or "Paused". If paused, you'll be notified of the number of additional comments that have come in.

Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.

AllMet Sports Search