Deciphering the Rising Queen Katie Ledecky (2/5)

Today's interview is a continuation of the last one. I'll be asking you questions about your training and your relationship with your coach. Maybe you'll find some parts that you can relate to?!

Pic: People Magazine

6. Coach Bruce Gemmell said that teaching you was a big challenge for him. How has your relationship with Coach Gemmell changed in recent years?

Katie: I think I've improved. I've been able to communicate well with Coach Gemmell and have learned a lot from him. My next challenge is to incorporate those lessons into my daily practice and races.

7. How do you think a swimmer's relationship with their coach changes as they get older and more experienced?

Katie: I think the most important thing in building a relationship with your coach is communication (discussing various things). In my case, as I get older, I've become able to talk about various things, such as my feelings and how I feel during races and practice. I think this is very important. Especially as you get to a higher level of competition, communication and cooperation with your coach become more important.

8. Do you think communication with your coach is a recurring element that swimmers need to improve?

Katie: It's very important to be able to trust your coach. It's definitely a plus for an athlete to know that the daily training menu is helping them steadily improve. Of course, this trust can't be one-sided. Simply completing a written menu doesn't reflect the coach's intentions. It only works if the swimmer does their best in each menu they're given. That's why I trust the training Bruce gives me.

9. You always seem to enjoy yourself so much, no matter how high the level of the race. Why is that?

Katie: I'm really enjoying swimming (including racing) now. It gets more fun every year. I'm really enjoying being able to train to my heart's content every day and being with my teammates. When you have teammates to go through tough training with, it doesn't take long to finish. In my case, the relationships I've made with my teammates and coaches through swimming have taught me so much. I believe these relationships will continue to be important elements that will enrich my future.

10. Why did you decide to enroll at Stanford University, despite your busy swimming life? Is it difficult to balance your training and studies?

Katie: That's why I chose Stanford. Academics have always been my number one priority, and I felt that without them I would lose sight of who I was after my athletic career ended.



TO BE CONTINUED...