Montgomery County celebrated the achievements of one of its most accomplished residents, 9-time Olympic Gold medalist, and 21-time World Champion swimmer, and 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree, Katie Ledecky, with the unveiling of an honorary road marker, "Katie Ledecky Lane," outside her high school alma mater, Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. During her fourth Olympic Games this Summer, in Paris, France, Ledecky won four medals (two gold) and became the most decorated U.S. female Olympian in history across all sports.

To watch a livestream of today's ceremony please visit this link on the Montgomery County Government Facebook page.

"I am thrilled to be recognized by Montgomery County with this honor, and I am grateful to all of the public officials and school administrators who turned out for this ceremony," said Ledecky, who also credited the "wonderful education I received in Montgomery County at Little Flower Catholic School and Stone Ridge which prepared me so well for college at Stanford University and participation in international sports." 

This occasion served as a tribute to Ledecky's extraordinary contributions to the world of sports and her inspirational role as a mentor to young athletes and students in Montgomery County.

“Katie Ledecky has cemented her legacy as one of the greatest swimmers of all time and the most dominant female athlete to ever compete in the Olympics,” said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. “Every time she returns home from competition, she comes back to a state that couldn’t be prouder of her. Her impact on Maryland is truly immeasurable–countless children across the state will aspire to greatness because of her example.”

“Montgomery County beams with pride for Katie Ledecky, our hometown hero and Olympic champion,” said Congressman Jamie Raskin. “Whether she is shattering world records, bringing home the gold for Team USA or promoting women’s equality in sports and beyond, Katie inspires people of all ages in our community, throughout America and across the world.” 

Ledecky, a native of Montgomery County, has inspired countless residents with her athletic accomplishments and her commitment to giving back to her community. 

"We are proud to honor Katie Ledecky with this road marker as a symbol of her incredible achievements and the pride she brings to our community," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "Katie’s dedication to excellence and her unwavering commitment to inspiring others makes her a true role model for young people throughout Montgomery County." 

“Katie Ledecky has distinguished herself as the greatest female swimmer in history,” said Council President Andrew Friedson. “Through her extraordinary dedication, discipline, and athleticism, she has remained at the top of her sport for more than a decade and became the most decorated U.S. female Olympian of all time at the 2024 Paris Olympics, paving the way for new generations of American swimmers. Katie Ledecky is a hometown hero, and her positivity, love of swimming, and commitment to giving back to her community make her an outstanding role model.” 

Montgomery County leaders who attended the street sign unveiling added their gratitude for the Olympian. 

“I am so proud to join my colleagues and the County Executive in recognizing the historic achievements of Montgomery County’s record-breaking Olympic swimmer, Katie Ledecky,” said Council Vice President Kate Stewart. “Maryland has so many great athletes and Katie has been a wonderful role model for our youth, inspiring girls in particular to follow their dreams in sports and in life.” 

“Katie Ledecky has inspired girls across our nation and throughout the world to commit themselves to achieving their highest ambitions,” said Councilmember Gabe Albornoz. “She has demonstrated what passion, setting goals and dedication can accomplish both in the pool and in life. Reflecting our values, it is fitting that we honor our Montgomery County native as the true role model she is for our youth.”

"As the most decorated U.S. woman in Olympic history, Katie Ledecky is an inspiration to the residents of Montgomery County and the world," said Councilmember Evan Glass, Chair of the Transportation and Environment Committee. "I am looking forward to ensuring the vehicles driving along Katie Ledecky Lane are free flowing and safely in their lanes." 

“Montgomery County is so proud of Katie Ledecky – for her accomplishments and her talent, but even more so for her work ethic and the way she has served as a positive example for so many,” said Councilmember Dawn Luedtke. 

“We wholeheartedly recognize and celebrate Katie Ledecky’s remarkable achievements as a world-class athlete, inspirational mentor, and legendary role model for the youth in Montgomery County,” said Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles. “By officially designating October 17th as Katie Ledecky Day and installing an honorary road marker at her alma mater, we express our appreciation for her unwavering dedication, perseverance and profound legacy. Her accomplishments will undoubtedly inspire countless generations of athletes to follow in her footsteps.”

Maryland State Delegate Sarah Wolek spoke for Montgomery County’s state delegation at the event. 

“Katie's extraordinary athletic achievements make her a very young living legend and we are so proud that her journey to Olympic greatness began right here in Bethesda," said Del. Wolek. 

“Now and forever, people will be able to see that the road to Olympic gold starts on Cedar Lane in Bethesda,” said Del. Marc Korman. “Congratulations to Montgomery County’s Olympic champion, Katie Ledecky, on all of her global success and this local recognition.”

“District 16, Montgomery County, the State of Maryland, and indeed the United States are proud to call Katie Ledecky one of our own,” said Sen. Sara Love. “We are thrilled for Katie and all that she has accomplished.”

“Bethesda's Katie Ledecky embodies excellence, passion and determination," said Del. Teresa Woorman. “She is not just a champion in the pool, but a role model for young people everywhere who dream big. Katie shows that with hard work, anything is possible, and we are so proud to call her one of our own.”

The honorary road marker outside Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart will stand as a lasting testament to her legacy.

"Every time members of the Stone Ridge community and local residents pass this marker, we will once again feel our collective pride in Katie’s exceptional accomplishments and her admirable character,” said Catherine Karrels, Head of School at Stone Ridge. “Her foundation started right here, and this sign will be a daily reminder that the persistence and self-discipline she models can inspire all of us to pursue our own goals."

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