John Morales had an incredible conversation with Theresa Civantos Barber, the assistant editor for Aleteia, on the latest Morning Air podcast. They looked into the amazing journey of American swimmer Katie Ledecky, and trust us, it's a story you don't want to miss. 

So, the Paris Summer Olympics had its fair share of drama because of the Opening Ceremony, but one athlete who truly stole the spotlight was Katie Ledecky.  She snagged four medals in Paris, including two golds, bringing her total to 14 Olympic medals! That makes her the most decorated American woman in Olympic history. Can you believe that? 

But here's the thing—Katie's not just a powerhouse in the pool. She's got this incredible humble spirit and an unwavering Catholic faith that sets her apart from everyone else. Barber shared how Ledecky's humility and gratitude are what really make her shine. She’s not one to brag; her high school teachers didn’t even know she was Olympic bound until they saw it in the news. How wild is that? 

Katie finds her calm and focus through prayer, especially the Hail Mary, which she says before every race. Imagine that—right before diving in, she's connecting with her faith. 

Faith in Action

Katie’s faith isn’t just something she keeps to herself; she lives it out loud. She's a rockstar volunteer, serving meals to the homeless, leading campus ministry, and helping out in her family’s parish. 

Her virtues—perseverance, dedication, generosity, and humility—are not just words. They’re a way of life. Katie's a role model for all of us, showing that you can be both an incredible athlete and a genuinely kind person. 

Inspiring the Next Generation

Barber shared a sweet story about how her own kids are inspired by Katie. They’ve started incorporating prayer into their sports routines, just like Katie does. Her son, for instance, prayed the Hail Mary before his game because he was nervous. It’s amazing to see how Katie's faith and dedication resonate with young athletes. 

John mentions that Katie Ledecky's story is a shining example of how sports can be a school of virtue, echoing Pope St. John Paul II’s sentiment that we can all be athletes for Christ. 

Final Thoughts

Katie Ledecky's journey reminds us that true greatness isn't just in medals but in character. Her story is a beautiful example of how faith can anchor us, guide us, and inspire us to be better. 

So, if you're looking for a role model who perfectly balances excellence with humility and competition with faith, Katie Ledecky is your girl.