Katie Ledecky and Kate Douglass shared Female Athlete of the Year in a first-ever tie at USA Swimming’s annual Golden Goggle Awards.
Ledecky, who won the 800m and 1500m freestyles at July’s world championships, earned her record-extending ninth Athlete of the Year award. She won each of the last three years, plus six consecutive years from 2013-18.
Last year, Ledecky broke her tie with Michael Phelps for the most Athlete of the Year titles. Phelps likely would have won more, but Golden Goggles did not start until 2004.
Douglass, who earned six 2023 World medals, including 200m individual medley gold, took Athlete of the Year honors for the first time.
The other nominees were Regan Smith, a four-time individual medalist at worlds, and Katie Grimes, who won one medal each in the pool and open water at worlds.
Ryan Murphy was named Male Athlete of the Year for a second time after doing so in 2018. At July’s worlds, Murphy took 100m backstroke gold and 200m back silver.
The other nominees were Jack Alexy, Bobby Finke and Carson Foster, all individual silver medalists at worlds.
Other award winners included Grimes (Female Race of the Year), Finke (Male Race of the Year), Lydia Jacoby (Perseverance Award), Alexy (Breakout Performer of the Year) and Dave Durden (Coach of the Year).
Many top U.S. swimmers are expected to compete at the U.S. Open next week with coverage live on Peacock.
