Katie Ledecky will be a host to Laura Paluck in ESPN’s “My Wish” series. Paluck battled cancer and had to have a mass removed above her knee, requiring her to learn how to walk again.
Ledecky was one of five hosts to children with critical illnesses. Other hosts include the San Francisco 49ers (football), Duke Men’s Basketball, Tua Tagovailoa (football), and Freddie Freeman (baseball).
Ledecky currently sits as the 2nd most-decorated female Olympic swimmer of all-time with 10 medals including 7 gold. She will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics later this month in the 400, 800, and 1500 freestyle and also looks to be on the US women’s 4×200 freestyle relay.
Ledecky is not the first swimmer to be a host for the ESPN series as Michael Phelps hosted 16 year old Hailey Cannaday in 2015. Ledecky and Paluck will be featured on ESPN’s Sportscenter tomorrow morning, Monday July 15th, at 7 am EST.
Paluck had a wish granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation which supports wishes for children with critical illnesses. Paluck was diagnosed with cancer at 10 years old and had a mass removed above her knee. After removal, Paluck had to learn how to walk again.
“When we were done filming with Katie Ledecky and Laura at the University of Florida, we witnessed Laura climbing out of the pool without using the stairs for the first time. Her parents and herself were amazed as that was the first time she has done that by herself since her return to the pool. While that may sound like a simple moment, to her and her family, it was a moment of time that showed true strength. I think spending time with Katie reminded her of how much she is capable of and instilled the confidence back that she can do anything.”- Producer Alex Nolen
Katie Ledecky is such a kind person in addition to being an amazing athlete
A true champion! Much respect!