Michael Phelps ‘choked up a little bit’ as Katie Ledecky gets emotional after record-shattering Paris Olympics victory

SWIMMING legend Michael Phelps couldn’t help but feel affected after Katie Ledecky’s historic Paris Olympics win.

The 27-year-old American star Ledecky set an Olympic record time of 15:30.02 to earn the gold medal in the 1500m freestyle final on Wednesday.

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Ledecky received her 12th career Olympic medal and her eighth gold, tying USA ‘s Jenny Thompson for the most ever among women swimmers.

It was her second medal of this year’s Olympics as she recently won bronze in the 400m freestyle in Paris.

Ledecky was interviewed by NBC’s Melissa Stark, and she was asked how it felt to be tied for the most golds and most overall Olympic medals of any American woman in history .

“I’m just so honored to represent our country,” Ledecky emotionally said.

“And those women that have set the standard for so many years have inspired me.

“They inspired me when I first started swimming .”

Ledecky also revealed she let her “mind wander during the race thinking of all the people that have trained with me” and gave a shoutout to those who have helped her train for the Olympics in Florida.

Phelps , the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time, spoke to NBC’s Mike Tirico after Ledecky’s stellar win.

The 23-time Olympic gold medalist opened up on what her accomplishment meant to him.

“It made me happy, it brought me so much joy. I’m getting choked up a little bit now thinking about it,” Phelps said.

“For her, to be able to do what she’s done throughout her career, it’s so impressive.”

Phelps was also impressed with the fact that Ledecky admitted she let her mind wander during the race.

“Like, for me. One, I’ve never swam a race long enough to where my mind can wonder,” the 39-year-old said.

“To be able to do that and to still be kind of in the moment almost celebrating that gold medal with them, I think it’s so powerful.”

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“She’s got a great training group down there at the University of Florida … Those guys can really train.”

Phelps referred to the fact that Ledecky trained with the Florida Gators.

She has been a volunteer coach for the Gators men’s swimming and diving team since 2021.

Ledecky won gold in the 1500m during the Tokyo Games in 2021.

She will compete in the 800-meter freestyle on Friday.