Just Add Water

My Swimming Life

By: Katie Ledecky

Narrated by: Katie Ledecky

Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times Bestseller

A candid and inspiring memoir from Olympic gold medalist, world champion, and one of the best swimmers ever to compete: Katie Ledecky.

Katie Ledecky has won more individual Olympic races than any female swimmer in history. She is a three-time Olympian, a seven-time gold medalist, a twenty-one-time world champion, eight-time NCAA Champion, and a world record-holder in individual swimming events. Time and again, the question is posed to her family, her coaches, and to her—what makes her a champion? Now, for the first time, she shares what it takes to compete at an elite level.

Again and again, Ledecky has broken records: those of others and, increasingly, her own. She is both consistent and innovative—consistent at setting goals and shattering them, and innovative in the way she approaches her training. A true competitor, she sets her goals by choosing the ones that feel the scariest. But, crucially, she never sacrifices the joy of competition, even in the face of adversity. Her positive mental outlook and a great support system provides the springboard to her success.

Just Add Water charts Ledecky’s life in swimming. It details her start in Bethesda, Maryland, where she played sharks and minnows and first discovered the joy of the pool; her early foray into the Olympics at the tender age of fifteen where, as the youngest member of the American team, she stunned everyone by winning her first gold medal; her time balancing competition and her education at Stanford University; how she developed a champion’s mindset that has allowed her to persevere through so many meets, even under intense pressure; and how she has maintained her dominance in a sport where success depends on milliseconds. You learn how every element of her life—from the support of her family to the tutelage of her coaches, from her childhood spent in summer league swimming to the bright lights of Olympic pools in London, Rio, and Tokyo—set her up to become the champion she is.

In the end, Katie’s story is about testing yourself against the difficult, and seeing who you become on the other side.

©2024 Katie Ledecky (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Her humility

I loved hearing her story. Great family values and bonds. This is a great listen

It takes a village

I love This story of Katie and her family!! I also related to women's athletic opportunities in the 70's. or lack of.
What a treasure this story is.

A great story about her life and accomplishments so far

I really liked this book. I don’t follow swimming other than if I happen to catch one of the meets during the Olympics but after listening to Katie tell about her life growing up, the incredible accomplishments she’s made I can’t wait to see what she does in Paris this year. I listened to this book through the eyes (ears) of a parent who has young kids just getting into their sports at an early competitive level. I can’t imaging how proud Katie’s parents must be of both their kids and how refreshing it was to hear a story of success where the star athlete was just a “normal” kid in the local community group. I’m proud that Katie swims for Team USA and I wish her the best as she continues to dominate.

Importance and support of family

I really enjoyed how Katie talked about all the people in her life, and how each one of them influenced her in one way or another, giving them credit and recognizing their support and contribution for her success.
She is humble and does not take anything for granted.
I look forward to her competing in Paris in a couple of weeks.
Good luck Katie, I look forward to your continued success and a sequel!

Katie really gives of herself in this book!

This is the first book I've ever finished in a day and a half! I loved this book. Katie Ledecky does a beautiful job of telling her story, about how her life influences and experiences have contributed to her high ethical standards, both in and out of the pool, and how that has contributed to her success. Having grown up as a swimmer, and being a triathlete now, so much of this book rang true to me - things that are very hard to describe to other people. I think it helps to have a swimming background to appreciate this book, but it is not necessary. The book stands on its own merits. Katie Ledecky is inspirational on so many levels of life and sport. I am very glad she decided to share this insight into her world with the us.

I like Katy

I have always liked Katy since she burst into the scene in my reality. This book just shares a bigger slice of the reality of that as she traverses her life. Thanks Katy for laying it all out there.

Katie opens up on family, goals and her foundation

As a fellow rule follower and swimmer I loved Katie's story. Her stories about her grandparents and her connection to each one of them was really beautiful. She's such a bright light with great values. You don't need to be a swimmer to enjoy this well written book. Very inspirational.

Inspiring, uplifting, and positive with emphasis on family, friendships, love, kindness, and perseverance.

Katie Ledecky’s “Just Add Water” is a testament to family, friendship, perseverance, and kindness. She injects humor throughout the book. As you go through her journey you can’t help but feel so inspired. Her thoughtfulness on positive sportsmanship and camaraderie is infectious. But most importantly that’s emphasized is the love and priority of family. You see her life not just in the pool but what she values outside of it. Keeping balance and having positive, understanding people helps strengthen her life. You’ll want to play this on repeat!!!

Well rounded person

Her life story is very touching. The story of her Marine grandpa really hit home. She is just a normal person who has achieved such greatness.

Sugary Sweet

Few hold the integrity Ledecky possesses. A role model head and shoulders above most. I’m glad she took the time to share her journey.