Kathleen Genevieve Ledecky is a record-breaking Olympic swimmer. She was born on March 17, 1997, in her hometown of Bethesda, Maryland. With 7 Olympic gold medals and 21 world championship titles, she has cemented her name in the world of athletics.

The 28-year-old is one of the most decorated swimmers in the sport. Not only does she have impressive achievements, but she has also had the opportunity to swim alongside some of the greats. She rose to fame by winning the gold medal in the 800m freestyle at the 2012 Olympics when she was just 15 years old.

The American swimmer has since become an Olympic champion in every distance from 200m to 1500m. Despite her hard work and tenacity, these remarkable accomplishments could not have been achieved alone. Let’s explore her journey and see who contributed to her becoming one of the best swimmers in the world.

Who Is Jon Ledecky?

Jon Ledecky, who is Katie’s uncle, is an American businessman and co-owner of the NHL’s New York Islanders. He went to Harvard University (for BA, MBA). John’s previous endeavours in business and sports ownership include past ties with the Washington Capitals. He took over the Islanders in 2016.

John has an amazing resume and public recognition since he is the owner of the NHL’s New York Islanders and also the co-owner of the Bridgeport Islanders in the American Hockey League. Jon’s partnership also owns the award-winning UBS Arena in Elmont and built the first LIRR train stop in over 50 years at the Arena.

Jon founded U.S. Office Products in 1994, and by 1998, the company had become the fastest new entrant in Fortune 500 history. U.S. Office Products owned Mail Boxes, Etc. (now known as the UPS Store) along with several other national brands. Jon has been the founder, co-founder, or initial investor in over 20 companies that eventually went public.

His involvement in professional sports began in 1999 when he and partner Ted Leonsis purchased the Washington Capitals and acquired an interest in the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association. Jon later sold his partnership interest and established a foundation dedicated to the education of underprivileged children in Boston, New York, and Washington. He continues this work today in the greater New York metropolitan area through the New York Islanders Children’s Foundation. He has a lot of pedigree in the sports circuit, and his experience in it paid off when he had to help Katie.

Are Katie and Jon Ledecky Related?

Yes, Jon Ledecky is Katie Ledecky’s maternal uncle. She’s his niece, and they have confirmed in multiple interviews about their familial relationship. Jon has spoken publicly about Katie’s success, expressing pride in family interviews.

Back in 2021, Katie had the most important day of her life in the 800m pool to qualify for the Olympics. Her uncle Jon decided to shake off the disappointment of his NHL team’s loss in a match and fly to Nebraska to cheer for his niece. As per the Washington Post, he said, “She’d just had this incredible accomplishment, winning the 200 and 1,500, and she just walks in like, ‘Hi,’ ” Jon said. “I mean, she’s just Katie. She’ll always be little Katie to me.”

“Family is the most important thing to me,” he stated. “ It’s just great to be able to support somebody  I love so much. It’s been great to be Uncle Jon.” He watched her win the 400-meter freestyle and then flew back to Tampa for Game 2 the next night. He returned to Omaha on Wednesday in time to see Katie compete in both the 200- and 1,500-meter races. Later that night, he finally had the chance to congratulate her in person at the hotel. “It’s incredible. I mean, he’s such a great supporter,” Katie said. “I just appreciate the effort he’s made so much. It’s so cool that we have these things going on right now together, and I hope he’s getting a little bit of rest.”

What Is Katie Ledecky’s Net Worth in 2025?

Katie’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million to $6 million. Her Income sources include: Olympic bonuses, endorsement deals (TYR Sport, Adidas, Visa), book deals, and speaking engagements.

Her career is focused more on legacy and performance than endorsements. In 2018, according to Newsweek, Ledecky signed a six-year endorsement deal worth $7 million with the swimwear brand TYR. Additionally, she has partnered with Adidas, a well-known footwear brand. Ledecky also has endorsement deals with various other brands, including American Girl, Athleta, Bic, Built With Chocolate Milk, FairLife Core Power, LaCroix, Oura Ring, Panasonic, Reese’s, and Visa.

What Is Jon Ledecky’s Net Worth in 2025?

Jon’s estimated net worth is around $340 million, a fortune he built through investments in private equity, venture capital, and professional sports. His co-ownership of the Islanders is a significant asset in his portfolio. Previously, he owned the Washington Capitals, an NHL hockey team based in the United States. Through his investments in various firms, Jon Ledecky has become one of the wealthiest individuals in America.

Final Take — The Ledecky Family Connection

Katie and Jon Ledecky are close family members who have both achieved success in different fields. Their relationship has attracted public interest due to their prominence in two major sports: swimming and hockey. While Katie excels in the pool, Jon gains attention as a successful sports team executive.