She swam to a stunning gold medal victory in the women's 800 meter freestyle last summer during the London Olympics -- finishing in eight minutes and 14.63 seconds, breaking a 23-year-old American record and missing a world record by a shave.

That's a lot to accomplish before your 16th birthday.

Bethesda's hometown swimming phenom Katie Ledecky celebrated her birthday in style this weekend, first as a division marshal in the St. Pat's parade, and then with a special honor from the Washington Capitals.

Ledecky rode a classic car through the streets of Washington, DC during the 42nd annual St. Patrick's Day parade Sunday afternoon. Later, during a Washington Capitals game, NHL Hall of Famer and Capitals legend Rod Langway presented Ledecky with a special jersey, according to a Facebook update.

"She's a huge Caps fan," said Connie Mitchell, a spokeswoman for the Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, where Ledecky attends school.

Ledecky also met up with Caps star Alex Ovechkin.