10 Olympians to watch in Rio
By Dani Bostick
1. Katie Ledecky, Swimming
Katie Ledecky is one of the most phenomenal female athletes of her generation. While Serena Williams is receiving accolades for her feats on the tennis courts, Ledecky is even more impressive in the pool (if that is even possible).
In a recent Washington Post article, Dave Sheinin asserted that she is “better at swimming than anyone is at anything.” That is not an understatement. She is that good. When Ledecky wins a race, she wins by a lot. And, she’s been winning that decisively for years. Unlike Serena Williams, Michael Phelps, and other respected athletes, Ledecky literally never loses. She also is the world record older in the 400, 800, and 1500 meter freestyle events. She also has a pretty quick 100 free and downright fast 200 free. The range of distances she is able to swim at an elite letter rare, if not unprecedented.
Here is Ledecky dominating at a local high school championship three years ago. Insane.
In Rio, Ledecky will swim the 200, 400, and 800 free events in Rio. (Only men swim the 1500 m free at the Olympics). She will also swim the 4 x 200 free relay. Her 100 was fast enough that she could be an option for the 4 x 100 as well.
If you want to see a crazy margin of victory in an Olympic event, the equivalent of Serena acing every single one of her serves, watch Katie Ledecky in Rio.