Katie Ledecky entered the 2024 Olympics as one of the most decorated female swimmers in United States history at the Olympics.
Now, she has the chance to be the most decorated female Olympian in history.
There isn't much left for the freestyle specialist to check off in her career. She's a multi-time Olympic gold medalist, world record holder and already one of all-time greats at the international competition — and she's only 27 years old. All that Ledecky is doing at this point is adding to her collection of medals and trying to beat her own records.
What is left for her to do is pass Jenny Thompson's record. The former USA swimming standout holds the marks for both the most Olympic golds out of a female swimmer and the most total Olympic medals out of a female at the Olympics. Ledecky was a couple shy of surpassing the mark when she started her 2024 voyage in Paris, but now she is on the verge of passing those records.
Michael Phelps' all-time Olympic record for medals (28) and gold medals (23) likely will never be beaten. Ledecky isn't even halfway there and while she is still in her prime, she'd have to compete at the next three Olympics to have a shot.
So for Ledecky, the women's record will have to do, adding another incredible milestone to what has been a tremendous swim career.
Here is how close Ledecky is to catching Thompson for the two Olympic records.
2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
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Katie Ledecky medal count
When Ledecky entered the 2024 Olympics, she was one gold medal away from tying Thompson's record for the most first-place finishes out of a female winner at the Olympics. She also was two total medals away from tying Thompson's all-time total Olympic record.
Now, Ledecky is the all-time Olympic medal leader among females. She earned medal No. 13, passing Thompson's record, however, the gold medal record remains intact for the former swim star.
| Katie Ledecky | Medal | Jenny Thompson |
| 8 | Olympic gold | 8 |
| 4 | Olympic silver | 3 |
| 1 | Olympic bronze | 1 |
| 13 | Olympic total | 12 |
It is worth noting that while Ledecky solidified herself in U.S. history, the all-time total medal count will still be an ongoing battle. Australia's Emma McKeon also has 12 total medals and has her eyes on more. Her and Ledecky will undoubtedly be jockeying for the rights to all-time Olympic medal title in women's swimming.
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How many medals has Katie Ledecky won in Paris?
Entering the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ledecky was already one of the most decorated female swimmers of all time.
Ledecky entered the games having won seven gold and three silver medals at the Olympics, while also claiming 16 FINA World Aquatics Championships gold medals and three silver medals. Her combined 23 gold medals are the most of any women's swimmer.
How many will she add in Paris? Here's how she's been doing:
| Event | Medal | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 400 Freestyle | Bronze | 4:00.86 |
| 800 Freestyle | ||
| 1500 Freestyle | Gold | 15:30.02 |
| 4x200 Freestyle Relay | Silver | 7:40.86 |
