Young Katie Ledecky gets Michael Phelps’ autograph (Photo)

A young Katie Ledecky met one of her favorite athletes, Michael Phelps, at an autograph signing event 10 years ago.

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Before she became one of the best swimmers for the United States Olympics team, Katie Ledecky got to meet her idol in the sport, a guy named Michael Phelps. That was a decade ago before the two were bringing home a bunch of gold medals for the U.S. at the 2016 Rio Summer Games.

A nine-year-old starstruck Ledecky got to meet Phelps and get his autograph. This may have been a huge part of her motivation and inspiration to become one of the best in the women’s side of swimming competition. Phelps has racked up 21 medals (and counting) in his career and Ledecky is working on her list.

If that wasn’t enough, Ledecky was in the presence of greatness when she was just two. In 2000, she was photographed with her uncle Jon Ledecky sitting in a luxury box. Right behind them was a guy named Michael Jordan, another G.O.A.T. in sports who also dominated at the Olympics. While a very young Ledecky seemed more interested in her book than the game or M.J., it likely was a photo she has held in high regard throughout her life.

It seems something can be said for surrounding one’s self with successful people, as it certainly has helped to inspire Ledecky to greatness. She’s captured a total of three medals at this year’s Olympics with two gold and one silver to add to her resume.