Olympian Katie Ledecky has POTS and so do other athletes!

There are a lot of celebrities living with POTS, but in this article we will focus spefically on famous athletes who have publicly discussed their POTS diagnosis with the public. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is characterized by an excessive heart rate increase upon standing, and it requires careful management to prevent symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and heart palpitations. The symptoms of POTS can range from severe to mild. Although, some people are not significantly affected by the symptoms, there are many who are disabled by POTS. Many severe cases will cause people to faint (also known synocope), and some are unable to even get out of bed. Like the general population, the athletes below present with a range of severity. Some athletes were no longer able to compete, while others have not only managed their condition but also thrived in their sports, often using their experience to inspire others.

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Olympic Athletes with POTS

Katie Ledecky‍

Katie Ledecky, one of the greatest swimmers in history, has publicly shared her journey with POTS in her memoir, "Just Add Water: My Swimming Life." ( Diagnosed after experiencing symptoms like dizziness and fatigue, Ledecky continues to dominate in the pool. She credits her success to consistent training, proper hydration, and a supportive medical team. Ledecky's story is not only about her incredible achievements but also about the strong family bonds and support system that have helped her manage her condition and thrive​​. We will cover her story in more depth below.

Click here to buy a copy of Katie Ledecky's memoir
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Latisha Chan

In 2024, Taiwanese tennis star Latisha Chan revealed that she was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) in 2014. Early on, Chan feared POTS would end her career. In a heartfelt Facebook post before the 2024 Olympics, Chan expressed her gratitude for the medical support she received. Reflecting on her journey, Chan shared the emotional highs and lows of managing POTS, including moments of deep discouragement. Yet, her determination to return to the court and continue competing for the Chinese Taipei Olympic team showcases her resilience and dedication to the sport she loves.
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Brittany Bowe‍

Brittany Bowe, an Olympic speed skater and world record holder, has shared her experiences with POTS, shedding light on how the condition affects individuals even at peak physical fitness. Bowe's story is particularly inspiring for athletes and those in physically demanding careers, demonstrating that success is possible with proper management and support​​.

Other Notable Athletes with POTS

Aubrey Hutzler‍

Aubrey Hutzler, a freshman catcher on the Campbell University softball team, has faced significant challenges since her diagnosis with POTS at age 14. Despite experiencing daily blackouts and dizziness, Hutzler excelled in high school softball, earning multiple awards and leading her team to district championships. Her determination to continue playing the sport she loves, despite her condition, serves as an inspiration to many​​.

Kaleigh Levine‍

Kaleigh Levine, a lacrosse player at Notre Dame College, experienced a sudden onset of POTS symptoms during a training session. Despite her initial struggles with blackouts and dizziness, her diagnosis was a relief. Levine made the difficult decision to stop playing but has since channeled her energy into raising awareness about POTS through social media and support groups​​.

Sophia LeRose‍

Sophia LeRose, a former goalie for Duke University's lacrosse team, experienced severe POTS symptoms during a game, feeling as though her heart was "going to bounce out of her body." After increasing her salt and fluid intake, LeRose was able to return to play in her final season, showcasing her resilience and determination. She now works in Chicago and continues to manage her condition while rebuilding her strength and endurance​​.

Sophie Hillyerd‍

Sophie Hillyerd, a professional footballer and goalkeeper for the London City Lionesses, faced a daunting prognosis after being diagnosed with POTS following COVID-like symptoms. Her heart rate remained abnormally high, leading to severe chest pain, lightheadedness, and other symptoms. Despite being told she might not play again, Hillyerd has made a remarkable recovery, attributing much of her improvement to the use of PH 1500 electrolytes. By increasing her sodium intake and wearing compression tights, she has managed her symptoms and returned to professional football. Hillyerd's story emphasizes the importance of perseverance and finding effective management strategies​​.

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How does Katie Ledecky manage her POTS as an olympic swimmer?

Katie Ledecky, one of the greatest swimmers in history, has faced significant challenges beyond the pool. In her memoir, "Just Add Water: My Swimming Life," Ledecky opens up about her journey with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and a rapid heart rate upon standing.

Early Symptoms and Diagnosis

Ledecky's first encounter with POTS symptoms occurred at the 2015 World Championships in Kazan, Russia. After dinner one night, she felt unusually hot and lightheaded. Over the following days and weeks, she experienced bouts of extreme fatigue and dizziness, even feeling faint during simple activities like walking. These symptoms led to a surprising diagnosis: POTS. Ledecky describes in her book how her body struggles to regulate blood flow when she stands, causing her heart to work harder and resulting in dizziness, fainting, and exhaustion.

Managing POTS Symptoms Through Consistent Workouts

Exercise, particularly swimming, plays a crucial role in managing Ledecky's POTS symptoms. Swimming helps her maintain consistent blood pressure and circulation without the positional changes that typically trigger symptoms. Regular cardio exercise also strengthens her heart and muscles, improving overall blood flow. Despite the challenges, Ledecky continues to train rigorously, contributing to her success as a four-time Olympian.

Staying Hydrated and Adjusting Diet to Reduce Symptoms

Hydration is another critical aspect of Ledecky's management strategy. Drinking 2 to 2.5 liters of water daily helps maintain her blood volume and pressure, reducing the severity of her symptoms. Additionally, Ledecky avoids alcohol, which can dehydrate the body and exacerbate POTS symptoms. To further aid hydration, she increases her salt intake, consuming between 3,000 and 10,000 milligrams of sodium daily. Experts generally recommend limiting sodium intake, but for people with POTS the guidelines typically recommend up to 14,000 milligrams of sodium daily. This helps retain fluids and manage blood pressure more effectively.

Support System and Medical Team

Ledecky credits her strong support system for helping her navigate life with POTS. Her coach, Bruce Gemmell, was instrumental in recommending she see a specialist at Johns Hopkins, leading to a swift diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Ledecky also emphasizes the importance of having knowledgeable medical professionals who understand POTS and can provide personalized advice and treatment. Her physical therapist and strength coach play vital roles in her ongoing management.

Maintaining Health and Performance

Whenever Ledecky feels unwell or underperforms, she revisits her management routine, ensuring she is adequately hydrated and maintaining her salt intake. Viral infections can trigger POTS symptoms, as Ledecky experienced during the 2019 World Championships in Korea, making her even more vigilant about her health.

Positive Mindset and Future Goals

Initially, Ledecky was reluctant to share her diagnosis, fearing it might overshadow her achievements. However, nearly a decade later, she feels empowered to speak openly about her condition. She acknowledges that POTS has made her more attuned to her health, which she views as a positive aspect as she ages in her sport. Despite the challenges, Ledecky remains optimistic about her future, including the possibility of competing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Ledecky's journey with POTS highlights her resilience and determination. By maintaining a rigorous training regimen, adjusting her diet, and relying on a robust support system, she continues to excel in her sport while managing her condition. Her story serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals facing similar health challenges, demonstrating that with proper management and support, it is possible to achieve greatness.

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POTS is Underdiagnosed by Medical Professionals

One critical issue facing athletes with POTS is the widespread underdiagnosis of the condition. Many athletes might not realize that their symptoms are part of a broader syndrome, leading to a lack of appropriate medical care and support. This underdiagnosis can delay effective management and impact an athlete's career and health.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Management

Early identification and diagnosis of POTS can significantly alter the management and outcome for athletes. Tailored physical therapy programs, specific postural and alignment instruction, and comprehensive care plans can mitigate the risk of symptoms while optimizing performance. For example, athletes like Kaleigh Levine have benefited from personalized training adjustments that allow them to compete effectively without exacerbating their condition.

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Conclusion

Athletes with POTS exemplify incredible resilience and determination. Despite the significant challenges posed by their condition, many continue to achieve remarkable success in their sports. With proper management, support from healthcare providers, and increased awareness, athletes with POTS can push the boundaries of their sports and inspire others facing similar challenges.

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References:

• D'Addona, D. (2024, June 17). Katie Ledecky Memoir Details Battle with POTS, Incredible Family Bonds – A Great and Relatable Read. Swimming World Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/katie-ledecky-memoir-details-battle-with-pots-incredible-family-bonds-a-great-and-relatable-read/
• Kuzma, C. (2024, July 29). Everything Katie Ledecky Has Shared About Living With the Health Condition POTS. Self. Retrieved from https://www.self.com/story/katie-ledecky-health-condition-pots
• Cha, A. E. (2024, April 10). POTS: The Mysterious Condition Affecting Many Young Athletes. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/04/10/pots-medical-condition-athletes-covid-pandemic/
• (2023, March 1). How Aubrey Hutzler is 'Playing with POTS'. Campbell University Athletics. Retrieved from https://gocamels.com/news/2023/3/1/softball-how-aubrey-hutzler-is-playing-with-pots.aspx
• Cha, A. E. (2024, June 4). They’re young and athletic – and ill with a condition called POTS. The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved from https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/06/04/theyre-young-and-athletic-and-ill-with-a-condition-called-pots/
• (2024, June 4). Diagnosed with POTS, Sophia LeRose leaned on lacrosse. USA Lacrosse Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.usalacrosse.com/magazine/college/women/diagnosed-pots-sophia-lerose-leaned-lacrosse
• (2024). West Ham's Sophie Hillyerd on living with POTS: 'It's a condition no one else can see'. ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37633061/west-ham-sophie-hillyerd-pots-condition-else-see
• (2024). Self on Brittany Bowe's Concussion. Retrieved from https://www.self.com/story/brittany-bowe-concussion
• Bowe, B. (2024). Brittany Bowe's Official Website. Retrieved from https://brittanybowe.com/#:~=Brittany%20suffered%20a%20

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