Katie Ledecky Has 8-Man Security Team at Airport To Protect That Gold!

U.S. Olympic hero Katie Ledecky got her own private army at the airport in Virginia Wednesday morning -- but that's what happens when you're rockin' 4 GOLD MEDALS AROUND YOUR NECK!!!

The swimming sensation touched down earlier today -- and sported all 5 of her medals through Dulles International Airport (4 gold, 1 silver).

We counted at least 8 armed cops safely escorting Ledecky through the terminal.

As for Katie, she told us she's gonna take a break from swimming for a couple of weeks -- and if there's anyone who deserves it ...