Texas Longhorns Swimmer Helps Childhood Hero Katie Ledecky Make Olympic History

Katie Ledecky is now the most decorated U.S. female Olympian of all time, and she did it with help from one of her biggest fans. 

In 2013, eight-year-old Erin Gemmell was dressing up as Ledecky for Halloween. More than 10 years later, she was sharing an Olympic podium with her.

Gemmell, now 19, is a two-time All-American at the University of Texas and was the anchor for Team USA’s 4x200m relay team in Paris Thursday. The team took home silver, earning Ledecky a history-making 13th Olympic medal.

"It's just amazing to get to be a part of even one-13th of the journey that she's been on," Gemmell told NBC News. "It's so much more fun to be on a relay than to be by yourself, and we just had a great time out there tonight."

"It's a lot to wrap my head around. It's crazy now that I can use this medal in a Halloween costume for her,” she added jokingly. 

Gemmell and Ledecky share more than silver medals. Gemmell’s father was Ledecky’s childhood coach at The Nation's Capital Swim Club in Washington, D.C. They also graduated from the same high school, Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda. 

At a media conference for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in June, Gemmell recalled her first time meeting Ledecky. Despite being “an annoying child,” Gemmell said the future legend was “kind and welcoming” to her. Ledecky even lent her a personalized Team USA swim cap to complete her Halloween costume. 

“I don't think I would really be here if it weren't for her,” Gemmell told reporters.

Congratulations, y’all!