Katie Ledecky Recognized with Honorary Degree by Yale University
Distance freestyle legend Katie Ledecky added another accolade to her list of achievements last weekend, when Yale University awarded the 29-year-old with an honorary doctorate of humane letters. The recognition was part of Yale’s commencement ceremony, with Ledecky qualifying for honors as a preeminent figure in arts, science, philosophy, athletics, or public service.
A graduate of Stanford University, Ledecky is a 14-time Olympic medalist, a total highlighted by nine gold medals. Throughout her career as one of the greatest swimmers in history, Ledecky has remained dedicated to her academic endeavors, first as a student at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, and then at Stanford. Ledecky is one of only a handful of athletes presented an honorary degree by Yale, joining Arthur Ashe, Willie Mays and Calvin Hill.
According to the New York Post, Ledecky’s citation from Yale read, in part: “A student of the sport, you were also a dedicated student in school, finishing a degree at Stanford despite many lucrative lures to do otherwise. Characterized by an unquenchable competitive drive with a relentless work ethic, you are also known to be humble, kind, and gracious, a genuinely nice person, admired and liked by all.”
Ledecky is training for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, which would mark her fifth Olympiad. This summer, she will represent the United States at the Pan Pacific Championships.