Early Life and Education of Katie Ledecky: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Katie Ledecky. From birth to education, explore key events.

Katie Ledecky is a highly decorated American competitive swimmer, considered the most decorated female swimmer ever and the most decorated American woman in Olympic history. She boasts a total of 14 Olympic medals, with nine being gold medals. She is tied for the most Olympic gold medals won by a woman alongside Larisa Latynina and ranks as the fifth-most decorated Olympian of all time.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

September 8, 1947: Arrival of Grandfather Jaromír Ledecky in New York

On September 8, 1947, Katie Ledecky's Czech-born paternal grandfather Jaromír Ledecky arrived in New York City as a student.

December 30, 1956: Marriage of Grandfather Jaromír Ledecky to Berta Ruth Greenwald

On December 30, 1956, Katie Ledecky's Czech-born paternal grandfather Jaromír Ledecky married Berta Ruth Greenwald in Brooklyn.

March 17, 1997: Katie Ledecky Born

On March 17, 1997, Kathleen Genevieve Ledecky was born. She later became an American competitive swimmer recognized as the most decorated female swimmer in history and the most decorated American woman in Olympic history.

2015: Graduation from Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

In 2015, Katie Ledecky graduated from Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Maryland.

December 2016: Sponsors of USS Enterprise

In December 2016, Katie Ledecky was chosen as one of the sponsors of the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Enterprise alongside Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Simone Biles. They are the first Olympians to be given this honor.

2017: Set NCAA and American records, led Stanford to team title

During the 2017–18 NCAA season, Katie Ledecky set another three NCAA records and two American records while helping lead Stanford to its second straight team title.

May 16, 2018: Debut as a professional swimmer

On May 16, 2018, Katie Ledecky debuted as a professional swimmer at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Indianapolis, Indiana. She beat her old world record in the 1500-meter freestyle, setting a new world record of 15:20.48, breaking the existing mark by five seconds.

December 2020: Completes Bachelor of Arts

In December 2020, Katie Ledecky completed a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in political science from Stanford University.

June 2021: Featured in interview discussing Olympic Trials

As part of the NBC evening telecast for day one of the 2020 USA Swimming Olympic trials (postponed to June 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Katie Ledecky was featured in an interview discussing Stanford University's commencement, finishing her college degree, and training for the Olympic Trials.