What Is Katie Ledecky Stroke?

American swimmer Katie Ledecky is well known for her gallop or giddy-up stroke.

Rather than the usual beat, which follows a regular left-right-left-right rhythm, Ledecky swims short left, long right, short left, long right.

After every two strokes, she takes a breath, always to her right, creating the gallop effect.

This works for her because it helps her get a steady air flow.

The gallop stroke is very effective when swimming in a pool or any open water.

Who Is Katie Ledecky?

Katie Ledecky is an American competitive swimmer born on March 17, 1997.

Katie is a holder of 6 Olympic  gold medals and 13 world championship gold medals.

She is referred to as the greatest female swimmer of all time.

Katie remains the world record holder in the women’s 800-, and 1500-meter freestyle for long course swimming, as well as the fastest-ever times in the women’s 500-, 1000-, and 1650-yard freestyle events.

She made her international debut in 2012 at the London Olympic Games. She was 15 at the time.

After clinching the women’s 800-metre freestyle, she became the most decorated female athlete four years after, with four gold medals, one silver medal, and two world records.

So far in her career, she has 40 medals to her name.

She has competed on various international platforms including the Summer Olympics, World Championships, and Pan Pacific Championships.