That wisdom includes encouraging young athletes to focus on short-term goals, rather than overarching ambitions that can be overwhelming.
“If you can just focus on trying to get a little bit better each day, you’re going to enjoy the sport and you’re going to enjoy the process,” she said.
But Ledecky also places a huge emphasis on engaging in activities that aren’t only swimming.
For example, at Stanford University, the aquatic superstar also completed a degree with psychology as her major and political science as her minor, while she also plays the saxophone.
Having other interests, Ledecky believes, is key to avoiding burnout, and another reason she will likely compete at her fifth Olympic Games at LA 2028.
“I think balance is really important. Not getting too consumed in swimming and maintaining all of your other interests and your other passions as well. I think when you get to a certain level, you might have this initial thought that you have to go all in and only focus on that. But it’s really important to maintain good balance.”