American swimming star Katie Ledecky, nominated for the Laureus ‘world sportswoman of the year’ award for the third straight year, said it was always a “great honour” to be named among the elite athletes for the coveted honour.
Ledecky, ranked among the best swimmers of all time, is a five-time Olympic gold medallist and 14-time World champion, the most in history for a woman swimmer.
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Ledecky won gold medals in 800m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 200m freestyle and 200m freestyle relay events, besides a silver in 400m freestyle relay.
It was hardly surprising to find her name alongside skier Mikaela Shiffrin, tennis stars Serena Williams and Garbine Muguruza, and athletes Allyson Felix and Caster Semenya.
“Yeah, it’s a great honour. I believe this is the third straight year that I have been nominated and it’s always an honour to be nominated and recognised by the international media, and Laureus For Good. They do so much for people around the world,” she said.
“It’s an honour to be recognised by such a prestigious group, and it’s an honour to be nominated alongside some other tremendous athletes,” said Ledecky.
Swimming legends Mark Spitz and Dawn Fraser are Academy members and Michael Phelps is an award winner.
Ledecky felt special to share the platform with the greats of the sport.
“I really respect those swimmers and what they have accomplished in their careers,” she said. “Knowing what those swimmers have accomplished and being nominated for the same award is something special,” she said.
The Laureus awards function will be held in Monaco on Feb. 27.