U.S. Olympic superstar swimmer Katie Ledecky is joining Florida as a volunteer assistant coach and will train for the 2024 Summer Games in Gainesville.
“I’m excited to be a part of the University of Florida’s world-class swimming and diving program and train for the 2024 Olympics with Coach Anthony Nesty and the top-tier mid-distance and distance training group,” Ledecky said in a statement. “My years at Stanford, both academically and athletically, were nothing short of incredible and I’m looking forward to the opportunity and challenges that lie ahead in Gainesville.”
Ledecky was an eight-time NCAA champion at Stanford but is more famous for her seven Olympic gold medals — more individual golds than any American female athlete ever. The 24-year-old Maryland native had success in Tokyo, becoming the first American female swimmer to win one event (the 800-meter freestyle) in three straight Olympics. She also won the 1,500-meter freestyle and intends to compete in the next Summer Games in Paris, too.
“The knowledge and experience that Katie brings to the pool are unparalleled,” Nesty said in a statement. “In addition to her obvious excellence as a swimmer, Katie is an exceptional person who will make a great impact on the student-athletes here. Katie’s values are in total alignment with the Florida program, and we’re so excited to have her join the Gators as she continues to train for the 2024 Olympics.”
