Katie Ledecky, Jim Thorpe Awarded Presidential Medal Of Freedom

Katie Ledecky and Jim Thorpe were among 19 people awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Friday.

Ledecky is a seven-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, taking home at least one gold in each of the past three Olympic Games. She is the most decorated women's swimmer in history, and she's not done yet. The 27-year-old will be looking to add to her medal collection at the Paris Olympics this summer.

Or — if you ask President Joe Biden — the Paralympics.

She might have a slight advantage there.

Anyway, it was still a cool moment for Ledecky as she earned the nation's highest civilian honor. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is given to individuals who "have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors."

"Obviously, growing up in this area I know what a huge honor this is," the Washington, D.C. native said. "I feel very connected to this area. I know this is a national kind of award, but to me it feels almost local. I get to come home for this for a couple of days. This is my community."

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Deemed an "athletic prodigy" by the White House, Ledecky has 21 world championship gold medals and world records in both the 800- and 1,500-meter freestyles.

Jim Thorpe, the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States, received the award award posthumously. He won gold for the U.S. at the 1912 Games in the decathlon and pentathlon and is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Other sports stars to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom include gymnast Simone Biles and USWNT star Megan Rapinoe (awarded by Biden in 2022) and golfer Tiger Woods, NBA star and executive Jerry West and, posthumously, Baseball Hall of Famer Babe Ruth (awarded by Donald Trump).