Penny Oleksiak makes history after winning gold in the 100-metre freestyle
By
Adam Frisk Breaking News/Web Culture Reporter Global News
Canada's Penny Oleksiak reacts after she won the women's 100m freestyle final during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 11, 2016.
Canada’s teen swimming phenom Penny Oleksiak made history at the Rio Olympics Thursday night after capturing the gold medal in the 100-metre freestyle.
The Toronto native tied with Simone Manuel of the U.S. with a time of 52.70 to win the gold, becoming the first Canadian swimmer to win four medals in an Olympics.
“This is amazing, to tie for a gold. I never thought I’d win a gold,” Oleksiak said. “She (Manuel) deserves it as much as me. It means so much.”
USA’s Simone Manuel and Canada’s Penny Oleksiak react after they equally won the women’s 100m freestyle final during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 11, 2016.
The pair of swimmers also set an Olympic record with their tying time.
“My first gold medal, at my first Olympics, is kind of a surprise to me. I never thought I would be in this position but I’m so blessed and honoured to be on the medal stand,” the American said of her medal.
On Wednesday, Oleksiak anchored the women’s 4×200-metre freestyle relay team, where the 16-year-old and teammates Katerine Savard, Taylor Ruck and Brittany MacLean won the bronze medal.
Earlier this week, Oleksiak also won silver in the 100-metre butterfly and the 4×100 relay.