How old is Katie Ledecky? USA star breaks Natalie Coughlin's record with 1500-meter gold at age 27

Katie Ledecky had an impressive debut at the 2012 London Olympics. She swam the 800-meter freestyle and qualified in third place.

At the time, many USA fans believed they had found a potential swimming star. Little did they know she would deliver on her potential so soon.

Ledecky shocked the world by earning gold in the 800-meter freestyle at the London Games. She beat the field by more than four seconds, showcasing other-worldly speed and establishing herself as a potential top contender for the 2016 Olympics.

Ledecky was the second-youngest American female swimmer to win an individual gold medal. She trailed only Beth Botsford in that category, as Botsford was 77 days younger than Ledecky when she won the 100-meter backstroke at the 1996 Olympics.

But now, Ledecky has set another record on the other end of the spectrum. She became the oldest American female swimmer to win gold in an individual event via her dominant win in the 1500-meter freestyle race at the 2024 Olympics.

Here's what to know about Ledecky's age and her Olympic medal count.

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How old is Katie Ledecky?

Katie Ledecky is 27 years old. She is participating in her fourth Olympics at the 2024 Paris Games after making her debut at the 2012 London Olympics at age 15.

Ledecky quickly established herself as one of the United States' best swimmers, even with Michael Phelps taking the spotlight in London. She won her first gold medal by winning the 800-meter freestyle to establish herself as a rising star.

Over the next decade-plus, Ledecky established herself as a true star. Her longevity has allowed her to become the oldest American female swimmer to win an individual gold medal. She has also established herself as one of the greatest swimmers of all time.

Before Ledecky, Natalie Coughlin was the oldest American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming. She accomplished that at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when she won the 100-meter backstroke at the age of 25.

Coughlin went to the 2012 Olympics and earned a bronze medal in the 4 by 100-meter final after swimming a leg of the race in qualifying. She didn't partake in the actual final, but she still earned her 12th career Olympic medal, this one at age 29.

Ledecky may hope she can show similar longevity if she takes aim at a fifth Olympic appearance in 2028.

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Katie Ledecky medal count

Ledecky's latest gold medal win is her eighth. That's tied for the most among American female Olympians with Jenny Thompson, another swimmer.

Ledecky has 12 total medals for her career. That's tied for the most with Thompson, Coughlin and five-time Olympian Dara Torres.

Below is a breakdown of Ledecky's career Olympic medals.