Not every Stone Ridge girl takes a gap year to prepare for the Olympics. And Missy Franklin doesn’t say “I don’t know if she has any weaknesses. If she does, we haven’t seen them yet,” about just anyone, let alone a Stone Ridge graduate. As the one and only Katie Ledecky prepares for the summer Olympics in Brazil this year, we decided to catch up and see how life after Stone Ridge has been:
Kathryn Maloney: What do you miss most about Stone Ridge?
Katie Ledecky: I miss all the students, especially my classmates. I miss so many of the teachers, who I felt were always looking out for our best interests. I miss the routine of morning assembly, hanging out at lunch time, and of course I miss all the traditions.
KM: What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done since you graduated from Stone Ridge?
KL: I would have to say the most exciting thing has been traveling to Russia for the World Championships last summer. That trip began with a training trip to Croatia. Seeing both countries was incredible.
KM: Have you been doing anything special to train for the Olympics?
KL: My training routine has not changed too much. That was the nice thing about taking the gap year in that I could continue to train with my coach and training group. However, I have spent some additional time in Colorado Springs.
KM: Do you still get nervous to swim in big meets and make tv/news appearances?
KL: I sometimes get nervous before races, but I would categorize it as nervous energy. I’m always excited to race!
KM: Who’s the coolest person that you’ve met?
KL: The coolest people that I have met are at Stone Ridge. I am being sincere when I say that. I think the social action program at Stone Ridge is so important and I have seen how compassionate and caring the girls and faculty are at Stone Ridge. That is cool. As a head of school, Mrs. Karrels is very cool.
KM: Are you going to take any extra precautions to avoid Zika virus when you go to Brazil?
KL: If I am lucky enough to make the Olympic team, I will follow the recommendations of the USOC as they are consulting with the CDC.
KM: Have you done anything cool in your free time that I’m sure you rarely have?
KL: Though I am taking a gap year this year, I took two classes (History of China and Comparative Political Systems) in the Fall at Georgetown as a visiting student. I enjoyed that experience. I have also had the opportunity to do some things in our community. I’m also just enjoying being at home in Bethesda.
KM: What are you most nervous for at the Olympics?
KL: I first need to qualify for the Olympic team at the US Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska (June 26-July 3). That is currently my focus.