Few people know the pressure of the Olympic Games like Amy Van Dyken. She burst onto the scene in 1996, winning four swimming gold medals in Atlanta. Katie Ledecky matched that feat in 2016 and went on to win another six medals in Paris, making her the most decorated female U.S. Olympian in history. “What she is doing for swimming is absolutely unbelievable,” Van Dyken told Scripps News.
Due to her impressive resume, Ledecky is always expected to win by many Americans, even if it may be unrealistic. Gymnast Simone Biles also faces immense pressure to always perform at her best.
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“Entering an Olympics, your first one is pretty easy as no one really knows who you are,” Van Dyken explained. “These women are well known throughout the world.”
The pressure doesn’t just come from the public, as Van Dyken noted that these top-tier athletes also place a lot of pressure on themselves. “They are human just like we are,” Van Dyken said.
USA Swimming Results
Reflecting on the American team’s performance in the pool, Van Dyken praised Team USA for their strong showing on the final day of swimming events. “What a way to end the Paris 2024 Olympics — two gold medals, two world records,” Van Dyken exclaimed. “If you have any doubts about Team USA, just look at that.”
The U.S. earned a total of 28 medals in the pool, including eight golds, the most of any country in both categories.
