14-time Olympic medalist Katie Ledecky encourages Gen Z grads to set goals—but don’t always expect to achieve them: ‘You don’t have to win the race’

Katie Ledecky holding a gold medal at the Olympic games. (Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

• Even as one of the most decorated U.S. Olympians, Katie Ledecky says she never sets goals just to win. The 14-time medalist urges Gen Z to stop fixating on how others are performing—and start defining success on their own terms. At a time when the job market feels more uncertain than ever, it’s a reminder young people may need now more than ever.

For Gen Z navigating today’s complicated entry-level job world, it can feel like it’s more important than ever to be the best—and stick out against the sea of competition.