Catholic swimmer returns to hero's welcome in US after triumphing at Rio Olympics

Katie Ledecky, who prays before races, won four gold medals and one silver at the Games

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After winning five medals -- four gold and one silver -- at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, US swimming champion Katie Ledecky has returned home to a hero's welcome.

Wearing her medals around her neck, her first step was right into the arms of friends waiting to greet her as she walked into the baggage claim area of Dulles International Airport outside of Washington on August 17.

Dozens of others cheered and applauded the Catholic Olympic champion, a graduate of Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Maryland.

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