Olympian Katie Ledecky ’20 will speak at Stanford’s 134th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 15, the University announced Monday.
Ledecky is one of the most decorated swimmers of all time, winning nine Olympic gold medals and 21 World Championship Gold medals over her career. She won her first Olympic medal at 15 years old, and has since won the most of any female Olympian from the United States. Ledecky currently holds the world record in the women’s 800 meter and 1500 meter freestyle.
In her two years competing for Stanford, Ledecky was an eight-time NCAA champion in five different events. Following the 2019 season, Ledecky officially became a professional swimmer and was no longer allowed to compete for Stanford, according to NCAA rules.
Outside of the pool, Ledecky worked at Stanford’s Mind & Body Lab. She graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in political science.
Ledecky was one of 59 Stanford athletes who competed at the 2024 Paris Olympic games. She took home four of Stanford’s 39 medals, winning two gold medals, one bronze medal and one silver medal.
Inviting Ledecky to commencement was a joint decision by the 2025 Senior Class Presidents — Jason Chen Lin ’25 M.S. ’26, Danny Mottesi ’25 M.A. ’26, Shreya Ramachandran ’25 and Blaine Wells ’25 — and the Office of the President.
The decision of commencement speaker was made based on input from the graduating class on topics and speakers. Ledecky’s name was repeatedly at the top of the list.
“All of us in the cabinet are beyond excited for Katie to be our commencement speaker,” wrote Motessi in an email to The Daily, who called Ledecky an inspiration and “a Stanford icon.”
Ramachandran says she is “thrilled” to hear Ledecky speak. “She was in our shoes not long ago,” wrote Ramachandran to The Daily. “She has used her fame and success to advocate for women’s empowerment through athletics.”
Zadie Schaffer ’25 also hopes that Ledecky’s age and recent Stanford graduation will allow her to connect with the graduating class. Schaffer believes Ledecky can provide “more current and relatable advice,” as opposed to “some random venture capitalist who has no idea how the world works for the vast majority of people now.”
Since graduating in 2020, Ledecky has continued her competitive swimming career. She also published her NYT bestselling memoir “Just Add Water: My Swimming Life” in 2024, which detailed her competitive career and her time at Stanford.
Ledecky was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, by former President Joe Biden in 2024.
As a member of the women’s water polo team, senior Alissa Pascual ’25 trains in the same aquatic center where Ledecky spent her collegiate career. Pascual often saw her on the pool deck.
“[Ledecky’s] dedication and perseverance truly reflect the excellence of the Stanford community,” Pascual wrote in an email to The Daily. “I can’t wait to hear her insights on such a memorable day.”