Katie Ledecky opens up on the decision to switch training camps from California to University of Florida to prepare for her 4th Olympic appearance

Katie Ledecky recently opened up about her decision to switch the training camps from the University of Stanford to the University of Florida ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ledecky is all set to make an appearance at the Olympic Games for the fourth time in Paris.

The 27-year-old swimmer has secured 10 medals so far in her remarkable career. Ledecky secured a gold medal in the 800m at the 2012 Games and four gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, while she was training at the Nation's Capital Swim Club. Following this feat, she enrolled at the University of Stanford to pursue a degree in psychology while training for the 2020 Games simultaneously.

Soon after concluding her campaign at the Tokyo Olympics and earning her degree, she relocated to Florida to embrace new training opportunities while keeping her sights fixed on the 2024 Paris Games. Ledecky fiercely trains with her male counterparts in Florida, while serving as the volunteer assistant coach for the Gators.

During a recent interview with the People, she reflected on her decision to switch to the University of Florida, describing it as transformative for her growth.

“I've been [at The University of] Florida for about two and a half years now. I've really enjoyed it,” Ledecky said. “I've been able to train with some of the top male distance swimmers in the country and in the world, so that's been beneficial for my training and I try to keep them on their toes as well. And it's just a really fun environment.”

"That part is mind-blowing to me" - Katie Ledecky expresses before competing in her fourth Olympics

Katie Ledecky poses during the Team USA Paris 2024 Olympic Portrait Shoot in Los Angeles, California.

Katie Ledecky won her first Olympic medal at the age of 15, during the 2012 London Games. Since then, the Maryland-based swimmer has continued to show her dominance and cement her legacy in the swimming realm.

She is the most decorated World Championships female swimmer, having secured 26 medals, including 21 gold and 5 silver medals. During an interview with NBC News, Ledecky reflected on the start of her career when she hadn't imagined making it to a single Olympics.

Despite securing 36 medals so far in the Olympics and World Championships, she stated her focus is always on improving times than on winning medals.

"I never thought that I would even make one Olympics when I first started swimming, let alone have the opportunity to go into a fourth,” said Ledecky. “So that part is mind-blowing to me. But at the same time, I don’t really focus on the history stuff or medal counts. I’m very focused on each individual swim, and more so times than places."

Katie Ledecky will be seen competing in the 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle events at the 2024 Olympic Trials, slated from June 15 to 23, at the Indianapolis Colts’ Lucas Oil Stadium.