Katie Ledecky has revealed her battle with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that has significantly impacted her career as an Olympic swimmer.
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The 27-year-old athlete disclosed that she first experienced troubling symptoms such as feeling “extremely hot and lightheaded” during the 2015 World Aquatics Championships in Russia.
This led to a sense of unusual fatigue, prompting her to seek a diagnosis.
In her book, Just Add Water: My Swimming Life, Ledecky describes her struggle with POTS, a disorder that causes rapid heart rates, lightheadedness, and exhaustion when transitioning from sitting or lying down to standing.
She explained that the condition leads to blood pooling in the lower body, causing the release of stress hormones that make her heart beat faster and result in dizziness and fatigue.
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Despite these challenges, Ledecky managed her condition through increased sodium intake, enhanced hydration, and more swimming.
She initially kept her diagnosis private to avoid distractions during major competitions like the Rio Olympics. Ledecky wanted to focus on her performance rather than her health issues becoming the main narrative.
Now, having shared her journey, she feels more at ease and continues to perform at the highest level.
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