The swimming events at Tokyo Olympics 2020 have ended with a bang. In other words, the events showcased some of the best swimmers in the world.
Despite fans not being in attendance, the swimming competitions provided many top moments and shocking upsets throughout the events. Here are some moments that truly encapsulated the minds of the swimming fraternity all over the world.
Top 5 Moments at Tokyo Olympics 2020
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The Tunisian swimmer who shocked everyone
When the 400-meter freestyle race ended, the name Ahmed Hafnaoui popped up on the results board. In a stunning swim, the Tunisian claimed the gold medal while being just 18-years-old. An ecstatic Ahmed could not believe what unfolded before him.
“I felt better in the water this morning than yesterday and that?s it. I?m the Olympic champion now. I just put my head in the water. I just can?t believe it. It?s a dream come true,” said Ahmed.
Likewise, his family and friends in Tunisia went wild after his shocking upset in Japan. Brilliant performance from young Ahmed to take home the gold.
Look. At. This.
Ahmed Hafnaoui's family back in #TUN react as the teenager wins 400m #swimming gold at the #Olympics.
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) July 25, 2021
Ledecky vs Titmus: Coach goes wild in the stands
The 2019 World Championships provided swimming fans with an enormous shock. Ariarne Titmus from Australia tasted victory against the favorite Katie Ledecky. Since then, the matchup between these two fantastic swimmers gained hype and significant importance.
Fast forward two years from South Korea, the Australian defeated Titmus in the 400m freestyle race which brought out an epic reaction from her coach, Dean Boxall. A truly iconic victory followed by a stunning celebration.
Get someone in your life that will celebrate your victories the way Ariarne Titmus’s coach celebrated hers. pic.twitter.com/yR0qLIyOJR
— Hans Appen (@hansappen) July 26, 2021
Caeleb the man!!!
Caeleb Dressel wins 5 gold medals at Tokyo Olympics 2020
The expectations on Caeleb Dressel for Tokyo were way more than any other athletes had from their respective countries. Likewise, the comparisons to Michael Phelps didn’t help either.
But winning five gold medals proved his mettle in what was a magnificent individual display of swimming in Japan. He won gold medals in the 50 and 100-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly, and two relay events.
Significantly, he created a world record in the butterfly event by setting a time of 49.45. Dressel lived up to his expectations and can now look forward to Paris 2024.
Caeleb Dressel had an Olympics to remember 👀 pic.twitter.com/tPa99mBruO
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 1, 2021
Goggles block Lydia Jacoby
Despite their dominance in the swimming pool, the US contingent took eleven teenagers to Tokyo. Looking to build for the future, one outstanding talent to come through the ranks is Lydia Jacoby.
She won a gold medal in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke event and won a silver medal for the 4×100-meter medley relay. The 17-year-old came out as the breakout star in this year’s Olympics.
However, in the mixed medley relay, Jacoby swam the whole split with her goggles covering her face. The US swimmer was rather unfortunate in the race but proved to be the next-generation superstar for years to come with her display in Japan. Chin up Lydia!!!
💪Incredible effort by 🇺🇸 Lydia Jacoby able to swim 100m Breast at the Mixed Medley Relay even after loosing her goggles 👏 #swimming #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/CUGnDrH3s4
— World Aquatics (@WorldAquatics) July 31, 2021
Kaylee McKeown drops the F-bomb at Tokyo Olympics 2020
Even though the USA is the most dominant team in the swimming pool, Australians always produce terrific swimmers. The new superstar from down under?
Kaylee McKeown.
The 20-year-old phenom broke the world record in the Australian trials in the 100-meter backstroke, before the games. After that success, she continued to move forward and won three gold and a bronze medal in Tokyo Olympics.
The Australian seemed very excited after her victory and even threw in some F-bombs. An excited McKeown went medieval while ruling the backstroke events in Tokyo.
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“What would you like to say to your mum and your sister?”
“Fuck yeah oh shit… Woooo 🤙”Congratulations to the legend Kaylee McKeown for the🥇and this perfect #Olympics moment pic.twitter.com/tgHOCzD0lD
— Jeremy Story Carter (@jstorycarter) July 27, 2021
This year’s swimming competitions provided fans with incredible moments and funny reactions as well. Some of these moments remain truly iconic as the US national swimming team finished on top of the medals tally after all the races. Tokyo Olympics has been incredible to date while swimmers will fight it out again in Paris 2024.
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