Dr. Newman is the former soccer coach of Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky. Having lived across the street from her family in Bethesda, Md., for years, he’s remained close to the Ledeckys.
“She’s a great kid from a great family. What you see on TV is how that family is. They are so supportive,” Dr. Newman said, according to the report. “And she’s a normal kid. That stuff has never gotten to her head.”
Since coaching her soccer team, Dr. Newman has been following Ms. Ledecky’s Olympic progress. In fact, he and his wife went to the London Games in 2012 to watch her compete. Dr. Newman even gave her an American flag, which she carried up to the podium when she accepted the gold that year.
At this year’s Rio Games, Ms. Ledecky secured the gold and broke her own world record in the 400-meter freestyle.
“It’s so inspiring and gratifying to see a young person like her grow up and live her dreams. I saw how much hard work went into making it happen,” said Dr. Newman, according to the report.
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