Montgomery County celebrated the achievements of one of its most accomplished residents, 9-time Olympic Gold medalist, and 21-time World Champion swimmer, and 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree, Katie Ledecky, with the unveiling of an honorary road marker, “Katie Ledecky Lane,” outside her high school alma mater, Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. During her fourth Olympic Games this Summer, in Paris, France, Ledecky won four medals (two gold) and became the most decorated U.S. female Olympian in history across all sports.
To watch a livestream of today’s ceremony please visit this link on the Montgomery County Government Facebook page .
“I am thrilled to be recognized by Montgomery County with this honor, and I am grateful to all of the public officials and school administrators who turned out for this ceremony,” said Ledecky, who also credited the “wonderful education I received in Montgomery County at Little Flower Catholic School and Stone Ridge which prepared me so well for college at Stanford University and participation in international sports.”
This occasion served as a tribute to Ledecky’s extraordinary contributions to the world of sports and her inspirational role as a mentor to young athletes and students in Montgomery County.
“Katie Ledecky has cemented her legacy as one of the greatest swimmers of all time and the most dominant female athlete to ever compete in the Olympics,” said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. “Every time she returns home from competition, she comes back to a state that couldn’t be prouder of her. Her impact on Maryland is truly immeasurable–countless children across the state will aspire to greatness because of her example.”
“Montgomery County beams with pride for Katie Ledecky, our hometown hero and Olympic champion,” said Congressman Jamie Raskin. “Whether she is shattering world records, bringing home the gold for Team USA or promoting women’s equality in sports and beyond, Katie inspires people of all ages in our community, throughout America and across the world.”
“Bethesda’s Katie Ledecky embodies excellence, passion and determination,” said Del. Teresa Woorman. “She is not just a champion in the pool, but a role model for young people everywhere who dream big. Katie shows that with hard work, anything is possible, and we are so proud to call her one of our own.”
The honorary road marker outside Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart will stand as a lasting testament to her legacy.
“Every time members of the Stone Ridge community and local residents pass this marker, we will once again feel our collective pride in Katie’s exceptional accomplishments and her admirable character,” said Catherine Karrels, Head of School at Stone Ridge. “Her foundation started right here, and this sign will be a daily reminder that the persistence and self-discipline she models can inspire all of us to pursue our own goals.”
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=46011