University of Texas swimmer helps Katie Ledecky make history at 2024 Paris Olympics

Erin Gemmell has looked up to Katie Ledecky all her life, so much that she dressed up as the U.S. Olympic star for Halloween one year.

On Thursday Gemmell helped her idol make history when Ledecky won her 13th medal in the 4x200 meter freestyle relay. The USA relay team also included Paige Madden and Claire Weinstein who combined for a time of 7 minutes, 40.86 seconds, which earned them silver medals.

Australia won gold with a time of 7:38.08 anchored by Ariarne Titmus. China earned the bronze medal with a time of 7:42.

Gemmell swims for the University of Texas where she has been a two-time All-American. Hailing from Potomac, Maryland the Longhorn swimmer met Ledecky at the age of 7 because her father, Bruce, was Ledecky’s coach at the time.

Ledecky’s 13th medal made her the most decorated U.S. female Olympian of all time, passing decorated swimmer Jenny Thompson. Ledecky will have the opportunity to surpass Thompson’s record eight Olympic gold medals on Friday when she competes in the 800-meter freestyle.