Michael Phelps Praises Katie Ledecky’s World Record Performance – Video Interview

Michael Phelps, the greatest swimmer to ever grace the water, had great things to say about young distance freestyle star Katie Ledecky after she broke the 400m freestyle world record at the US Nationals in Irvine, CA.

WITH Aย NEW WORLD RECORDย OFย 3:58.86, IT ISย KATIE LEDECKY!!! Ledecky attacked the front half as she normally does, going out under WR pace. She stayed pace under the whole way, but the crowd was anxiously watching her splits as she approached the 300 and 350 mark. Pellegrini anchored her final 100 of her world record swim in 2009 with a 59.2 final 100 split. Ledecky had to close strong to break the record. The crowd went nuts when she touched the wall under 3:59. That time will stand as the new World, Junior World, American, US Open, National Meet, and 17-18 NAG Record.

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caliswimgrl
9 years ago

MP is always an interesting mix of “I hate to work THAT hard, but I HATE to lose,” so he has to step up now more than ever. Seems like his internal demon is his memory of how hard he worked leading up to Beijing (four years without stopping), how amazing his races all were, and how great USA relays have been but now getting set back by France and Australia more often. Remember at Worlds when he got so fired up in a TV interview? He really does hate to lose. I think this will really motivate him.

EST
Reply to  caliswimgrl
9 years ago

It will motivate him, or it will remind him why he decided not to do it anymore, b/c doing it halfway w/ so-so results is not going to be tolerable for him. He certainly sounds all in!

johndoc2144
9 years ago

Funny lots of comments about what he says now instead of what he swims. In Mesa, everyone said “look at that time.” He needs to decide if he is “in it” again or not. He got spanked this week. Period. He is the greatest swimmer ever… The praise this week, however, goes to everyone else. Look at Lochte…three or four finals coming off long knee recovery. He doesn’t whine about not finishing first. Phelps wants the world his way or no way. Hope he gets back to work.

Lazy Observer
Reply to  johndoc2144
9 years ago

You watch him celebrate this amazing swimmer’s accomplishment, see him really appreciate what she can do and what it took for her to do it, and you walk away with negative things to say? The guy appreciates other people’s gifts – I remember how thrilled he and Lochte were when Adrian won in London – we can value that internal ability while also admiring his physical capabilities.

As for Lochte this week versus Phelps, they are very much the same. Both getting older. Both losing in races they used to win. Both taking stock of what it will require for them to stay competitive against a talented field. Point to a single thing Phelps said that counts as “whining.” He… Read more ยป

Reply to  johndoc2144
9 years ago

He’s back for 6 months, put up a world leading time in the 100 fly, and he got “smacked? I see this as a great starting point for two years of motivated training for him.

Rafael
9 years ago

When phelps was the ar holder of 400 free and what time?

theroboticrichardsimmons
Reply to  Rafael
9 years ago

Phelps went a 3:46.73 at Summer Nationals in 2003. I’m not sure who held the American Record before him…Klete Keller?

floppy
9 years ago

Phelps was once the American record holder in the 400 free. I always wished that he focused on that race, instead of the 200.

It wouldn’t work into his Olympics schedule, but around 2005-2008, if he focused on the 400, I think he could have figured out how to break 3:40 in the 400 free.

9 years ago

Interesting interview with Phelps. He is clearly impressed with Katie’s performance. Towards the end did I sense a little dig at his training partner Allison Schmitt?

Lazy Observer
Reply to  Manyi Eta-Okang
9 years ago

I don’t think it was a dig; probably more of a slip. I’m sure she spent a lot of her week talking to friends and coaches about how she was doing and if anyone can provide perspective on the mental shift between, “I am young and will do anything to be the best,” versus “I still want to win but I’m starting to care about other things,” it would be Phelps.

G
9 years ago

I really like how articulate and sincere he is. I don’t know how it compares to pre-retirement Phelps, but his interviews seem to have a lot of maturity and a refreshed and hungry attitude towards the sport.

Nikki
Reply to  G
9 years ago

Exactly, G. I have noticed this and I like his transparency, honesty, and positive attitude. Definitely a lot of maturity and humbleness ๐Ÿ™‚

Neo
Reply to  G
9 years ago

Phelps has always been poised and mature in his interviews. His Costas studio interview at the 2004 Olympics after he gave his relay spot to Crocker blew me away Amd cemented me as a huge Michael fan. Being under the microscope for so long, he became guarded and very private, and his interviews seemed curt. It’s great to see him relaxed and open again.

Nikki
9 years ago

Agreed, Michael ๐Ÿ™‚ Well said!

About Mitch Bowmile

Mitch Bowmile

Mitch worked for 5-years with SwimSwam news as a web producer focusing on both Canadian and international content. He coached for Toronto Swim Club for four seasons as a senior coach focusing on the development of young swimmers. Mitch is an NCCP level 2 certified coach in Canada and an ASCA Level โ€ฆ

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