Bethesda Olympian Ledecky, 15, Takes Gold

Friends, family, teachers and classmates gathered at Friday to root for Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, 15, who won the gold medal in the women’s 800m freestyle.

“How awesome is Katie? She works her butt off and she totally deserves it,” said Stone Ridge student Allie Rock, 15. “She’s amazing. I’m just blown away. I’m speechless.”

Ledecky, 15, a Stone Ridge student and the youngest member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, to compete for a medal in the women’s 800m freestyle.

Supporters screamed, cheered, and waved red, white and blue signs as they watched the rising sophomore compete on a video screen streaming the event live from London. Deafening cheers filled the room as Ledecky won the gold.

“The Stone Ridge community jumps at any opportunity to bond, but this is an exceptional opportunity for us to get together around one member of our community,” said Stone Ridge middle school teacher Elizabeth Cunha. “You can see it here. It’s amazing.”