Deciphering the Rising Queen Katie Ledecky (1/5)

Katie Ledecky, an 18-year-old rising star swimmer, made her presence known at this summer's World Aquatics Championships in Kazan. Since it would be a little strange to introduce her again given her extraordinary feat of mastering almost one swimming stroke, today I would like to delve a little deeper into her, including her swimming and private life.

(From an interview Q&A with USA Swimming (4/20/2015))

Q1: Now that you have finished this season's major international competitions, what is your next goal? Are there any changes to your training for next season's Olympics?

Katie: To be honest, nothing has changed. My coach has changed in preparation for the Olympics, so I'm now focusing on myself rather than the content of my training.

Q2: Is that a different mindset (from Q1) than before?

Katie: For me, it's about remembering the feeling I had around 2012 - the feeling of enjoying each experience and approach - and I think my leap in 2012 was the result of balancing that excitement with the new goals I had. So if I can continue to enjoy and devote myself to my daily practice, I believe I will definitely get closer to my goal of the next Olympics.

Q3 : Tell us about your recent training.

Katie: I feel really good. I had a great two-week camp at the OTC (Olympic Training Center). I think I'm in great shape right now.

Q4: What is your regular training like outside of training camp?

Katie: During my regular (local) training, I always practice with a group of high school swimmers (about my age). It's a great environment. There are quite a few long-distance runners, so we're able to compete and support each other.

Q5: What impact does participating in international competitions have on young and inexperienced swimmers?

Katie: For me, participating in a major international competition for the first time was a big step (especially since it was the Olympics for me, haha). I was really glad that I was surrounded by such great teammates and leaders at my first international competition.

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