Wow Katie Ledecky Ties for the Most Female Olympic Gold Medals in History and Prays before Every Race!

 Katie Ledecky now has tied for the most female Gold medals in Olympic history for a woman.  The most Olympic medals won by a woman is eighteen by gymnast Larisa Semyonovna Latynina (USSR), nine gold, five silver and four bronze, 1956–64. Katie, the American swimmer has also won nine Olympic gold medals.  In addition, she has 21 world championship gold medals; the most in history for a female swimmer.  Over her career she has won over 50 medals 40 golds,  11 silvers and 3 bronzes,  in major international competitions,  during the summer Olympics,  world championships,  and pan-pacific championships.  also she has broken many world records.

Her Godfather,  father Jim Shay,  is a priest.   In the standard,  she explained,  my Catholic faith is very important to me,  it always has been and it always will be it is part of who I am,  and I feel comfortable practicing my faith.  It helps me put things in perspective.  Ledecky explained that she prays a Hail Mary before each race; I do say a prayer or two before any race.  The hail Mary is a beautiful prayer,  and I find that it calms me.  

ABOUT KATIE LEDECKY   Kathleen Genevieve Ledecky was born on March 17th,  1997, and is an American competition swimmer.   21-time world champion she is the current world record holder in the 800 and 1500 meter freestyle long course.  as a 15-year-old,  ledecky won gold in the 800 meter.  In 2016, Ledecky was the youngest person on time magazine's time 100 list. 

 In an interview with the Catholic Standard,  she explained how Catholic schools helped her.  I attended catholic schools from pre-k through high school.  I attended Little Flower school in Bethesda through eighth grade,  and then,  stone ridge school of the sacred heart for high school.  I received an excellent faith-filled education at both schools.  Having the opportunity to attend academically rigorous schools,  has facilitated my interest in the world and in serving others,  and has enriched my life,  so that it is not solely focused on my swimming and athletics.  Nevertheless,  going to these schools was important to my swimming.  MY catholic schools challenged me,  they broadened my perspective and they allowed me to use my mind in ways that take me beyond just thinking about swim practices,  swim meets and sports.  Ledecky was born in Washington DC,  she is the daughter of Mary Jenn Hagan and David Ledecky.  Her father's ancestry is from Czechoslovakia and her mother is of Irish descent.  Ledecky was raised Catholic and began swimming at the age of six.  

Share her amazing story maybe you'll inspire another athlete to love God!

Sources: Katieledeckyswim.com -