Iron Sharpens Iron: Inside the Training Relationship Between Bobby Finke and Katie Ledecky
In the world of competitive swimming, the difference between silver and gold often comes down to hundredths of a second and the people who help push you to find them. For Olympic gold medalists and world-record holders Bobby Finke and Katie Ledecky, that push comes from each other on a daily basis.
Training side by side every day at the University of Florida, Finke and Ledecky are redefining what it means to train with greatness. Between them, they hold an impressive collection of Olympic medals, world titles, and world records. Yet, ask either of them what it’s like to train together, and the answers reveal not just admiration but a mutual respect that fuels their shared pursuit of excellence.
“It’s awesome training alongside Bobby!” Ledecky said. “He gives his best every day and always keeps things light at practice. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to train with him, and of course watching him break that 1500 world record last summer in Paris was a huge highlight of the Olympics for me.”
Bobby Finke of United States of America shows the gold medal after competing in the swimming 1500m Freestyle Men Final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at La Defense Arena in Paris (France), August 04, 2024.
That world-record swim, the fastest men’s 1500 meter freestyle ever recorded, was more than just a career milestone for Finke. It was a moment of pride and joy for the entire Gator training group. Throughout the 14-minute long race, Ledecky was seen cheering for Finke every lap of the way. Just months later, the roles reversed at the TYR Pro Series in Fort Lauderdale, where Ledecky broke her own long-standing world record in the 800-meter freestyle. This time, Finke was the one cheering loud and proud. Their unwavering support for each other shows how greatness is built not alone, but together.
Behind those world-class results lies a daily grind that both athletes know well.
“Training alongside Katie is scary, humbling, and it gives a sense of pride,” Finke said. “To be able to train alongside the greatest freestyler of all-time is something not everyone gets to say. Her training is just as impressive as her races.”
While both are known for their unmatched endurance and closing speed, what sets them apart in practice is not just their physical abilities. It is their mental resilience and ability to elevate those around them. For Ledecky, one of the biggest takeaways from training with Finke has been learning how to let go of a bad day and come back stronger.
“Bobby is really good at shaking off a bad set. He doesn’t dwell on it,” she said. “Of course, that doesn’t happen too often, but he always just laughs about it and then has a good practice the next day. I think I’ve improved at doing that, and I have to give Bobby some credit for that.”
Finke echoes that sentiment when it comes to Ledecky.
“Even the greatest have their rough days in practice,” he said. “I learned that it’s good to have them as it shows the effort being put forth. As well as how to bounce back from them.”
Ask either athlete what motivates them in training, and their answers point back to consistency.
“Bobby is very consistent in training. Consistent in his times, effort, and attitude,” Ledecky said. “And he will race or challenge anyone and everyone in anything.”
Finke shares a similar view of Ledecky’s approach. “What Katie does in practice is nothing short of incredible.”
Katie Ledecky of United States of America shows the gold medal after competing in the swimming 1500m Freestyle Women Final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at La Defense Arena in Paris (France), July 31, 2024.
But for all their accolades and laser-focused training, their shared environment at Florida is far from rigid. In fact, both are quick to dismiss the myth that elite training groups must be businesslike at all times.
“Some people probably think we’re always serious and intense when it comes to training,” Ledecky said. “Yes, we know how to work hard and push each other, but there’s a LOT of joking around and laughing. Bobby’s also always trying to get out of sets. He (unsuccessfully) did a 400 IM get-out swim on a recovery day earlier this year, which shows the extremes he’s willing to go to…”
Finke paints a similar picture.
“People most likely think our group is incredibly serious at all times,” he said. “Our group is serious when we need to be, but also very lighthearted and fun to be part of. We’re not afraid to crack jokes or trash talk one another.”
It’s that blend of intensity and light-heartedness that makes the Finke-Ledecky partnership so powerful. In a sport where individual performances often take center stage, the quiet moments of camaraderie, shared laughs, tough sets, and mutual respect, are what set this training duo apart.
When two of the best in the world train together, the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts. If there is anything to be learned from watching these two train and compete, it is that true teamwork lifts everyone higher.