Steve Burns
WMAL.com
DULLES, Va – (WMAL) Katie Ledecky was immediately mobbed by her friends and classmates from Stone Ridge High School in Bethesda upon entering baggage claim at Dulles Airport Wednesday afternoon, marking her triumphant return to the United States after a historic performance at the Olympics in Rio. Ledecky returns with five medals, four of them gold, and two new world records under her belt.
“We all had our goals in the pool, but we also had the goal to hopefully inspire other young swimmers and other young kids watching on TV, and hopefully we did that,” Ledecky told gathered media at the airport. “It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and a great support system. I have some really great friends, as you can see, and a great family. They made all of this possible and it’s been fun to share it with them.”
Ledecky had her five medals around her neck placed in a neat row, which she says Michael Phelps taught her.
“He has a lot of practice with that,” she joked.
Rio, she said, was both beautiful and safe.
“Everybody really enjoyed being in Rio. We all had a great time,” she said. “We were all safe and happy and healthy. They put on a great show.”
She is still human, in case everyone forgot following her dominant performances. When asked what she’s looking forward to now, she said it’s the simple things.
“Just (excited about) going home, eating a home cooked meal, and sleeping in my own bed.”
Her next stop is Stanford University this fall, where she’ll begin her freshman year and will play a big role on the school’s swim team.
Copyright 2016 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (Photo: CNN)
