If you’ve seen any coverage of the Olympics, you’ve heard the name Katie Ledecky. The American competitive swimmer has won nine Olympic gold medals and 21 world championship gold medals, the most in history for a female swimmer.
The most decorated American woman and fifth most decorated athlete in Olympic history, Ledecky is the world record holder in numerous swimming events. Not only is she the greatest female swimmer of all time and one of the greatest Olympians of all time, but Ledecky is also a Catholic whose faith is central to her life.
"My Catholic faith is very important to me. It has always been, and always will be,” Ledecky said in a 2016 interview with the National Catholic Register:
When Ledecky was growing up, her mother was a member of the Mystical Rose Society that took care of the altar at their parish. Ledecky would help her with this work at times, learning prayer and reverence from a young age.
If you’d like to learn more about this awe-inspiring champion’s faith, here are three ways Ledecky lives her faith in all parts of her life.
That famous Hail Mary before a race
Many athletes do something to calm and focus their minds before an athletic event, and Ledecky often prays a Hail Mary before her races:
“It gives me peace knowing I’m in good hands… I think our devotion to Mary is very beautiful. She has a sacred role in Catholicism, and her strong faith and humility are things we can learn from.”
This practice of hers is a beautiful one to share with our children and grandchildren. Ledecky’s enormous success after praying may inspire other young people to pray before their own athletic competitions.
“I’ve counted on my faith to give me strength through both training and competition — but also in school, with my family and everyday life,” Ledecky said. She shows us what it looks like to turn to our faith as a source of strength.
Works of mercy
Amidst her intense schedule of training and competing, Ledecky somehow finds time to put her faith into actions by serving others.
She volunteered her time to advocate for refugees and participated in many service opportunities as a student at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, even while setting all kinds of records:
Ledecky has also volunteered as a teacher’s aide in her former elementary school, served meals to homeless people at the Shepherd’s Table soup kitchen, and helped lead Stone Ridge’s campus ministry program, among others.
Humility and welcome
Interviews with Ledecky’s former teachers and principal reveal that being a legendary athlete never went to her head; instead, what drew their attention was her humility and her welcoming attitude toward every swimmer on the team, no matter how new they were to the sport.
It can’t have been easy to remain humble as one of the greatest athletes of all time, yet faith keeps her grounded.
On Sunday you will have the opportunity to see Katie Ledecky one last time at the Paris Olympics as she carries the flag for the US Olympic team, along with rower Nick Mead. We will certainly continue to cheer Ledecky on and add our own Hail Marys for her ongoing success!
