Serious Catholic Olympians: Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky are Game-Changing Athletes

By Kelly Frazier --
10 Aug 2016 --

Olympian athletes Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky are both Catholic.

Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky are two athletes who have taken the Olympics games this year by storm. Biles, a gymnast, and Ledecky, a swimmer, are gaining more and more fans by their never-seen before moves, stunts and outstanding performances. While the United States is extremely proud of its star athletes, the Catholics however, have their own reason to be proud of the duo -both are practicing Catholics.

Serious Catholic Olympians: Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky are Game-Changing Athletes[/tweetthis]

Biles has carved a unique place for herself in the Olympics games this year with her own set of moves and flips, which is now collectively called the “Biles.” This trendsetting athlete is known to be one of those few who exude a sense of joy and liveliness as they perform. Washington Post's Liz Clarke notes that while most athletes assume a very stern expression with grim features, Biles performs with a joy that makes it look as though she is very much at home on the balance beams and bars. She also adds that the absolute grace with which she carries herself can make a person feel that she is just enjoying herself at leisure.

Swimming sensation Ledecky has been called “the world's greatest athlete” by anesthesiologist Michael J. Joyner, an expert in human physiology and performance. Ledecky is remarkable for iron-like determination when she performs and displays a kind of “fury and aggression” that constitutes a champion athlete. Infamous for her use of the “galloping” technique which usually is associated with male swimmers like Michael Phelps, Ledecky is setting new standards for what the world usually would for women competitors.

The two record-breaking athletes are strongly rooted in their Catholic faith. As practicing Catholics, the two are very vocal and open about their faith. While Biles revealed that she always carries a rosary with her in her bag among other things, Ledecky has revealed that she prays a Hail Mary or two before each event.

Finding out that Katie Ledecky & Simone Biles are Catholic made me love them even more
— Emily (@eleighgonzales) August 10, 2016

Biles is devoted to Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes. A regular churchgoer, she says she lights a candle before her favorite saint before big events. Ledecky too believes that faith and prayer help her a lot in her athletic life. She says that her Catholic faith is very important to her and is a part of who she is. She also feels that her faith helps her put things in perspective. Having studied in a convent school, Ledecky feels she has every reason to feel grateful to the sisters who have formed into the person that she is now.

Biles and Ledecky are shining examples of how faith and fame can go together.