Katie Ledecky Shares Her Favorite Activewear Essentials to Kick Off the Olympics

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Gold medals are so synonymous with Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, it’s almost jarring to see her in a setting without the shiny hardware draped around her neck. Over the last two decades, no athlete has had a greater impact on women’s competitive swimming than Ledecky, who — with 10 Olympic medals, 21 World Championship titles, countless world records, and three (soon-to-be four) appearances at the Olympic Games — has transcended the sport entirely.

The internet might throw the “G.O.A.T.” label around haphazardly, but with Ledecky, it’s no exaggeration — she embodies it.

In the coming weeks, Ledecky will compete on behalf of Team USA Swimming once again as she sets her sights on gold, with a focus on the 800- and 1500-meter races, where she’s favored. But for the superstar athlete, this year’s Games also offer an opportunity for reflection — on the history of women’s sports, its evolution, and more importantly, where it still has to go.

“As I look forward to this summer, the Olympics in Paris is really a full-circle moment. The 1900 Olympic Games in Paris were the first Olympic games where women could compete; swimming was not one of those events,” Ledecky says.

The swimmer’s efforts to support the next generation of female athletes goes far beyond her own success in the pool. Earlier this year, Ledecky joined Athleta’s Power of She Collective, a dynamic community of elite athletes (which also includes Simone Biles and Katie Zaferes) that aims to empower women and girls by building confidence and strength through movement.

Through the program, collective members are able to provide personal and professional mentorship opportunities for up-and-coming athletes, participate in Athleta’s Power of Impact programs, and even influence the development of certain performance products and styles.

“Power of She evokes a feeling of pride for me. The camaraderie we share as female athletes goes beyond the field of play. Whether we’re competing or cheering each other on from the stands, the support and positive energy from my teammates is invaluable. Those little moments of encouragement and unity make a huge difference and create a strong sense of belonging – it really is the Power of She in action,” Ledecky says.

Ledecky shared a few of her favorite activewear essentials from Athleta with PS, including a supportive sports bra, cozy half zip, and mesh workout short that’s equal parts stylish and breathable. To learn more about her work with the brand, visit Athleta.com.