5-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky throws out first pitch in Nationals Park

Katie Ledecky removed her Olympic medals and handed them to reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper before taking her place in front of the mound in Nationals Park and throwing a strike to Washington Nationals’ reliever Shawn Kelley tonight when she threw out the first pitch in the nation’s capital.

The D.C.-born, Maryland resident soaked in the cheers of the crowd in Nats Park while she threw out the first pitch and again later in the game when she was shown on the giant scoreboard in center field. Chants of “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” broke out when they showed the five-time gold medalist on the screen, with Baltimore Orioles and Nationals fans united for at least a few moments during the game.

It was a nice homecoming for the Olympic swimming star. And yes, she thew a strike. Of course she did.