Olympic swimming legend Katie Ledecky revealed her reactions to her encounter with NBA legend Michael Jordan. Every time the nine-time young Ledecky displays excellent performances at international competitions, her video of her younger self playing with MJ reappears.
That specific encounter had given her the confidence to pursue a legendary career like Jordan.
“I like to think that he, you know, inspired me and passed on a little bit of his greatness,” Ledecky said. “It definitely was, you know, really inspiring to be around some professional athletes from such a young age.”
In an interview with Overtime, Katie Ledecky said she might’ve indeed shared Jordan’s “GOAT” genes when she met him years ago. She felt lucky to have bonded with ‘His Airness’ at such a young age.
Ledecky met MJ back in 2001. She shared that the encounter happened because her uncle had given her a good spot during a meeting where the 14-time NBA All-Star was also present.
Jonathan, Ledecky’s uncle, was also a minority shareholder of the company behind the Washington-based athletic teams at that time. Michael would again play for the Washington Wizards in the NBA in the same year.
The 27-year-old swimmer then shared more of her encounters with Jordan. She said that MJ was even playing peek-a-boo with her. Her younger self, however, remains wholly undisturbed and continues eating her popcorn. He even covered her mouth to stop her from eating and playing with her.
Ledecky was aware of Michael Jordan’s greatness even at a young age. Even so, she was tranquil at that time. Little did she know, years later, she’d emerge as one of the greatest in her sport, the same way MJ became at basketball.
Michael Jordan and Katie Ledecky: A look at their greatness
In 2001, Michael Jordan had already made the achievements that would make him the GOAT of basketball for many people. He won six NBA championships in fifteen years of his basketball career, all for the Chicago Bulls.
He was also the Finals MVP in all of those championships, a five-time NBA MVP, a fourteen-time NBA All-Star, and a ten-time member of the All-NBA First Team. He also won two gold medals at the Olympics.
Meanwhile, Katie Ledecky has won nine gold medals at the Olympics and 38 gold medals throughout her career. Despite being 27, she’s already the most decorated woman in American Olympic history and is widely regarded as the most excellent female swimmer of all time.
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