Lessons from Katie Ledecky

Jessica Bogie

Lessons from Katie Ledecky

This week’s reflection comes from watching Katie Ledecky at the TYR Pro Swim Series Austin this past weekend, where she won the 1500m freestyle in 15:23.21, the second fastest time ever swum in the event, second only to her own world record of 15:20.48 set back in 2018.

What stood out most wasn’t just the time. It was her perspective.

“I was really happy with that,” Ledecky told SwimSwam after Wednesday's race. “I think I came into today with pretty low expectations. Just didn’t really know what to expect coming off the back of Christmas training and all the hard work.”

“I usually do pretty well when I feel good about my training…but it was my first long course race since Singapore Worlds in July and August, so I kind of kept the expectations low, but that’s sometimes how I end up having my best swims.”

That mindset matters.

When you look at Ledecky’s top 1500 freestyle performances, one thing becomes very clear: her progression is not linear.

Her top ten fastest swims span more than a decade:

  • 15:20.48 (2018) – World Record

  • 15:23.21 (2026) – Second fastest ever

  • 15:24.51 (2025)

  • 15:25.48 (2015)

  • 15:26.27 (2023)

  • 15:26.44 (2025)

  • 15:27.71 (2015)

  • 15:28.36 (2014)

  • 15:29.51 (2020)

  • 15:29.64 (2023)

There is no straight line. No steady march downward year after year. There are jumps forward, seasons of maintenance, moments of chasing something she’s already done before.

And yet, she is widely regarded as the greatest 1500m freestyler ever...as she should be.

That’s an important reminder for our swimmers.

Even at the very highest level, growth doesn’t look like constant best times. Progress shows up in patience, confidence in training, and the ability to show up and race without forcing the outcome. Sometimes the best swims come when expectations are low, trust is high, and the focus stays on the work that came before.

Chasing old best times doesn’t mean you’re moving backward. It means you’re still striving, still invested, still willing to see what’s possible.

That lesson matters whether you’re an Olympian or standing behind the blocks at a local weekend meet.

🏊‍♀️ Progress isn’t linear. Trust the work. 🏊‍♀️

Coach Jessica