Olympic swimming legend Katie Ledecky is on the cusp of making history in Paris. The Queen of the 800m freestyle is poised to equal Michael Phelps’s record of winning four consecutive Olympic golds in a single event if she triumphs in the 800m freestyle in Paris. However, the 27-year-old record-breaking swimmer recently shared how her insecurities about her abilities set her on the path to Olympic glory.

Ledecky, the most decorated female swimmer, made her presence known on the greatest stage at just 15, winning her first 800m gold at London 2012. Since then the Bethesda, Maryland native has set the world record in the 800m freestyle. However, for the then-teenager, the London Olympics achievement brought her equal parts happiness and dread.

“Ever since I made it to London [2012 Olympics], I never thought I’d make it there,” said the 7x Olympic gold medalist. After London 2012, all the ESPY winner wanted to do was to “prove” herself. She wanted to show the world that, “I wasn’t a one-hit wonder,” Katie Ledecky said at the U.S. Olympic Trails press conference. Nearly 12 years later the 27-year-old has gone beyond proving her point.

Today, the world champion has become the most decorated female swimmer on the planet. Yet, the secret to her continued success on the world and Olympic stage is thanks to her humbleness. Katie Ledecky recalled her mindset after her first Olympic victory. “I reminded myself that anything more than that is icing on the cake,” she said.

“That’s just the perspective that I’ve been able to maintain,” she added. The 21x World Championships gold medalist’s grounded approach has helped her achieve records she could only dream of. Going into her fourth Olympics, Ledecky is on the verge of setting multiple records in Paris.

Will Katie Ledecky become the greatest female Olympian?

The Presidential Medal is eyeing her spot as the greatest female Olympian regardless of sports. The 27-year-old is currently tied for the second spot as the woman with the most Olympic golds with 7. Equestrian Isabell Werth also has seven. However, if the 4x Olympian wins gold in all of her four events, she’ll not only surpass Werth but also Larisa Latynina. The 89-year-old holds the record with 9 golds.

Interestingly, Larisa Latynina also holds the record as the woman with the most Olympic medals, with 18. Besides 9 golds, she won 5 silver and 4 bronze medals. However, Katie Ledecky will face formidable challengers in Ariarne Titmus, Summer McIntosh, her own teammate Regan Grimes and others.

Besides the opportunity to equal a Michael Phelps record and possibly surpass Latynina, the 10x Olympic medalist may also become the only woman to defend her 1500m freestyle gold. From a 15-year-old not wanting to become a one-hit wonder, to the most prolific female swimming champion, Katie Ledecky’s story is one for the ages. However, the best part is it’s not over yet.