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Few athletes have made a mark at the Paris Games quite like swimmer Katie Ledecky. With an impressive haul of four medals, including a gold in the 1500-meter freestyle with a new Olympic record of 15:30.02, she established herself as the most decorated female Olympian representing Team USA with a total of 14 medals.
However, for Ledecky, the pinnacle of her achievements came with her victory in the 800 meters, marking her fourth consecutive gold in that event—a feat that no other woman has accomplished. This achievement solidified her place in Olympic history.
Reflecting on her experience, Ledecky stated, “It doesn’t get any easier each time. I felt a sense of relief, a sense of excitement, all the emotions at the end of that one. You always want to end on a good note.”
After such a monumental competition, the question arises: how does an elite athlete transition from such a high? Ledecky shared insights on her post-competition recovery routine, highlighting her approach to revitalizing both her body and mind for the challenges that lie ahead.
1. The Importance of “Pre-covery”
For Ledecky, proactive recovery—referred to as “pre-covery”—is essential, particularly since she was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in 2015. This condition can lead to symptoms like dizziness and fatigue when standing, due to blood pooling in the legs.
To manage her symptoms, she focuses on hydration and sodium intake while also utilizing specialized compression gear which aids blood circulation. While she has a compression shirt and leggings, she emphasizes the importance of wearing compression socks, especially during long travel, such as flights.
“A lot of people use compression socks on flights anyway,” Ledecky notes. “Especially as an athlete, it just helps the legs feel better and helps start the recovery on the plane before you even land.”
2. Nutritional Strategies During a Busy Schedule
Throughout her demanding Olympic schedule, which required her to swim nearly 6,000 meters across eight different races in just six days, Ledecky prioritized her nutrition. After each race, she engaged in what swimmers refer to as a cooldown with easy laps.
Ensuring she had sufficient protein, carbohydrates, and electrolytes was crucial to replenish her energy and prepare for upcoming events. Ledecky often opted for quick, portable nutrition options, such as protein shakes—a staple in her regimen, thanks to her long-standing partnership with Core Power.
“It was easy to grab one of those right after my race,” she explained. “I would drink it as I was warming down.” Though she favors chocolate flavor, she occasionally enjoyed vanilla. Team USA’s proactive shipment of 11,000 Core Power bottles ensured she always had one available post-race.
3. Embracing the Olympic Experience Beyond Competition
While this was Ledecky’s fourth time competing in the Olympics, it was her first experience staying for the second week of the Games after swimming concluded. This unique opportunity allowed her to enjoy and support fellow athletes in various events, including men’s and women’s basketball and golf, culminating in her role as a flag bearer during the closing ceremony.
Source
www.self.com