Nidhish Waghmare
The 2024 Summer Olympics, set to begin on July 26 in Paris, will witness two of the most celebrated athletes, Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky, aiming for historic milestones. Representing the United States, both women have already established themselves as icons in their respective sports of gymnastics and swimming.
Katie Ledecky: Dominating the Pool
Katie Ledecky, born three days after Biles, will commence her Olympic campaign on July 27 with the 400m freestyle. Ledecky, already the most decorated female swimmer, is set to compete in four events: the 400m freestyle, 1500m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle relay, and 800m freestyle. A single gold medal in Paris would tie her with American swimmer Jenny Thompson for the most Olympic golds by a woman
Additionally, Ledecky needs three more medals of any color to surpass her compatriots Dara Torres, Natalie Coughlin, and Allyson Felix, becoming the most decorated American female Olympian.
Simone Biles: The Gymnastics Powerhouse
Simone Biles, a dominant force in gymnastics, aims to expand her legacy further. Despite withdrawing from several events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to mental health issues, Biles remains a formidable contender. At 27, she will become the oldest female American gymnast to compete in the Olympics since 1952. Biles is slated for six events: team all-around, individual all-around, vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise.
With one more gold medal, she would tie Anton Heida for the most Olympic golds by an American gymnast. If Biles secures five golds in Paris, she will join the ranks of the most decorated female gymnasts in history.
Aiming for Greatness
The aspirations of Biles and Ledecky to sweep all their events might seem ambitious, but their track records suggest that anything is possible. Should they achieve this feat, they would join Michael Phelps, their predecessor and fellow American icon, on the leaderboard of most Olympic golds by any athlete. Phelps, who retired after the 2016 Rio Games, remains the most decorated Olympian with 23 gold medals.
Ledecky and Biles’ performances in Paris will not only enhance their legacies but also continue the tradition of American excellence in the Olympic Games.
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