Joe Biden awards Katie Ledecky the Presidential Medal of Freedom. GETTY IMAGES

Seven-time Olympic champion Katie Ledecky has another medal to add to her collection. The Washington D.C.-native received the highest civilian honour in the United States - the Presidential Medal of Freedom - from Joe Biden last Friday.

Biden honoured Katie Ledecky, along with 18 other recipients, including Oscar-winning actor Michelle Yeoh and the first Hispanic woman in space, Ellen Ochoa. Ledecky was recognised for her achievements which include 21 medals at World Championships, and world records in the 800m and 1500m freestyle.

"Don't let age get in your way," Biden, the oldest US president at 81, joked to 27-year-old Ledecky as she sets her sights on the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.



Ledecky made her Olympic debut aged 15 at London 2012 where she won her first gold in the 800m freestyle. She dominated in her second Olympic participation in Rio, claiming the most individual titles in the pool, setting new world records and finishing the meet as the second most decorated athlete behind US Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Famer Michael Phelps.


Ledecky poses with her medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. GETTY IMAGES
Ledecky poses with her medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. GETTY IMAGES

At Tokyo 2020, she was beaten by Australian Ariarne Titmus in the 400m freestyle but retained her 800 free title and became the first Olympic women's 1500m freestyle champion. Her Olympic medal tally stands at seven golds and three silvers.

Ledecky is now looking forward to Paris and told NPR she is prepared for her fourth Games.  "I'm ready. We have our Olympic trials in about a month now. So that's what I'm gearing up for, I have one more meet before then. So everything is tracking well, my training is going well," she said.

"I'm really excited for hopefully the opportunity to represent the U.S. at a fourth Olympics. I can't believe that I get this opportunity and it's gonna be a great summer and I'm excited."



Ledecky will join other Olympic hopefuls in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Swimming in Indianapolis from 15-23 June.