With the Olympics quickly approaching, United States swimmer Katie Ledecky is largely focused on the competition during the games; what comes afterward is a matter of conjecture.
“I haven’t thought about it too much, but I am excited to just get some good quality time with my family and friends,” Ledecky said.
Ledecky, though, had been able to (at least partially) mitigate the inability to see her family by using technology to her advantage, calling them multiple times per day.
“I say that I haven’t seen them in a while, but I FaceTime them two or three times a day.”
Although she has no set plans, Ledecky did discuss an overarching goal she has regarding her post-Olympics plans, namely seeing loved ones most deeply affected during the pandemic.
“It’s just going to be nice to see my grandmothers again, share those moments with all my family, my cousins, my uncles, my aunts, you know everyone.”
Most often, Ledecky did not have to plan for these types of post-Olympics gatherings because her family comes to watch her compete. Unfortunately, the novel COVID-19 pandemic has hindered this usual occurrence from happening. However, Ledecky was convinced her family would still look at the situation optimistically.
“My family has been able to attend the London and Rio games, both my immediate family and a few extended family members, so I know they will miss being able to be in Tokyo, but I know they’re just excited that I have that opportunity ahead of me and that coming off of that I’ll be able to share all of my stories.”
Ledecky thought she might have a post-Olympic gathering with her family similar to one she had years ago after the London Olympics, which she believes would be a wholesome experience.
“I remember just coming back from London and having, kind of like, a storytime with my high school classmates at an assembly just answering any and all questions that they have about what the Olympics are like, and I can kind of picture myself doing the same thing with my family. Hopefully, we can all get together at some point in the fall or whenever and just enjoy it and take some time to relax and be together.”
