Katie Ledecky chats with President Joe Biden following historic campaign at Paris Olympics 2024- Source: Getty Images

"You told me to bring home some medals" - Katie Ledecky chats with US President Joe Biden after historic Paris Olympics 2024 campaign

Modified Aug 11, 2024 15:50 GMT

Katie Ledecky was elated to have honored US President Joe Biden’s plea by winning four medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Ledecky was impressive, claiming two gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal to sum up her Olympic campaign in the French capital.

Chatting over a phone call with President Biden, the swimmer shared her joy at having made the US proud. In turn, she was honored with the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award of the United States.

Competing on the Olympic stage, Ledecky claimed wins in the women’s 800m and 1500m freestyle. The nine-time Olympic champion won silver in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay before picking bronze in the women’s 400m freestyle.

Speaking over the phone, President Biden lauded the 21-time world champion, expressing how proud he was about her performance in Paris.

"I’m better because of you. God, I’m so damn proud of you. I can take no credit except for being smart enough to give you the Medal of Freedom. You are incredible," President Biden said.

"Well, I tell you what, becoming the most decorated woman in U.S. Olympic history is pretty damn impressive. I know you tied the record for most gold medals by a woman in Olympic history. You make us so damn proud Katie, I really mean it. Well, it’s an honor to watch you, it really is," he added.

In reply, Katie Ledecky pointed out that she did just what she was told by the President of her country. She further noted that the presence of Dr. Jill Biden was a motivating factor in her performance.

Ledecky added that it is always an honor representing the U.S. and asked President Joe Biden to pass his gratitude to his wife for making time to cheer them on.

"Thank you. Well, you told me to bring home some medals so I knew I had to when you told me that," Ledecky said.

"Thank you so much, thank you so much for your support and I know Doctor Biden was out here last week, cheering us on and that meant a lot to us. So, please thank her for me. It’s such an honor to represent our country," she added.

Katie Ledecky continues Olympic legacy at Paris 2024 Olympics

Katie Ledecky was flawless at the Paris Olympics as she added four more medals to her already decorated medal cabinet.

With four medals, two gold, one silver and one bronze, Ledecky raised her medal number to 14.

Overall, the American has nine gold medals to her name -- five that she won at the 2016 Rio Olympics, two at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and two at the Paris Olympics now.

Ledecky won one silver medal each at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and Paris 2024 Olympic Games and two silvers in Tokyo.

She has already made a mark in her swimming career and is one of the most successful swimmers in the world. With her 14 medals, Ledecky has also cemented her place as the most decorated American female athlete in Olympic history as of now.