The swimming and diving program at the University of Florida just got a lot more attractive for aspiring swimmers. The school announced on Wednesday that seven-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky will be part of the program’s coaching staff moving forward after she joined the Gators in the role of a volunteer swimming coach.
Besides sharing knowledge with young swimmers, Ledecky will also use her time at the University of Florida to prepare for the upcoming competitions. She previously used her alma-matter at Stanford University as her training base.
“I’ve decided to train at the University of Florida with Coach Anthony Nesty and the outstanding mid-distance and distance training group there,” said Ledecky while announcing the news on Instagram. “I’m looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the next phase of my swimming career.”
Katie Ledecky is one of the most decorated swimmers in the sport’s history, with 38 medals in all competitions. She owns 10 Olympic medals and has won gold medals on each of the past three Olympics.
She won gold in 800 m freestyle at the 2012 London Olympics and followed that up with four gold medals and one silver medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics saw her winning two gold medals (800 m freestyle and 1500 m freestyle) alongside two silver medals.
Ledecky also holds several World Records, including being fastest in history in 400 m freestyle, 800 m freestyle, and 1500 m freestyle.
