Role reversal: Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky recreate THAT photo

10 years ago, Katie Ledecky was just nine years of age, and as a keen swimmer, was a massive fan of Michael Phelps.

Over the course of the past decade, Katie has carved an incredibly successful career for herself in the world of swimming, and as a six-time Olympic medalist, can now officially count herself among her hero's peers.

And it was this incredible progression which made a photo of a clearly excited Katie meeting Michael back in 2006 all the more poignant in the eyes of the public.

Acknowledging people's interest in the photograph, the US teammates decided to recreate the image…with a twist.

Instead of maintaining the same roles, Michael paid tribute to Katie's progress and incredible achievements since their first meeting, and was photographed asking for her autograph this time around.

Sharing the photo on their Twitter page, USA Swimming wrote: "Vice-Versa: @katieledecky @MichaelPhelps re-create famous photo with opposite roles #riotoday #SwimUnited."

Vice-Versa: @katieledecky @MichaelPhelps re-create famous photo with opposite roles #riotoday #SwimUnited pic.twitter.com/S06rkRkcTz

— USA Swimming (@USASwimming) August 15, 2016

Twitter users were all over the adorable twist on the throwback snap and wasted no time sharing their thoughts on the upload.

"I love this pic! It shows dreams can come true! Michael, you are truly an inspiration! Thank you!" wrote one while another added: "Love this! Thanks for inspiring young swimmers!"

 

This picture captures the joy I have had this past week in representing the USA, as well as the emotions of completing an unforgettable four-year journey. Thank you to everyone for the support. I am honored to be a member of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Swim Team. Special thanks to my family, coach Bruce Gemmell, trainer Lee Sommers, my teammates and coaches over the years from NCAP (and Palisades and Stone Ridge), my friends, my teachers and classmates, everyone back home in Bethesda especially my Stone Ridge and Little Flower friends, and many more. I'm happy to be bringing home some medals and memories! (Photo: @gettyimages)

A photo posted by Katie Ledecky (@kledecky) on Aug 14, 2016 at 6:22pm PDT

Retweeting the reverse snap on their page, The Today Show wrote: "A lot can change in 10 years! @katieledecky and 'MichaelPhelps in 2006 and today in Rio!"

"What an inspiration! Katie is well on her way to joining Phelps on the Mount Rushmore of swimming. Incredible!" replied a member of the public.

That's a framer.