Canadian swimmer Penny Oleksiak will have a shot at competing for a third Olympic medal when she races in the women’s 100-metre freestyle semifinal Wednesday night at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Oleksiak’s brother, NHL defenceman Jamie Oleksiak, is in Rio to cheer on his 16-year-old sister. The Dallas Stars blue liner joined The Andrew Walker Show on Sportsnet 590 The FAN Wednesday to talk about Penny’s rapid rise to stardom after capturing a bronze in the 4×100-metre relay race at the Rio Games and a silver medal in the 100-metre butterfly event.
Count the elder Oleksiak among those surprised by Penny’s performance in Rio.
“I think she surprised everyone including our family,” Oleksiak said. “I always knew she was good, but I never knew she was Olympic good until she really qualified for the team and whatnot.
“She’s only been swimming for the past five years and what she’s done is incredible. This Olympics was her chance to get her feet wet, literally I guess. Despite all the odds stacked against her she’s done incredible…it says a lot about her competitiveness and the work she’s put in.”
Oleksiak finished fifth in Wednesday afternoon heats to qualify for the semi along with fellow Canadian Chantal Van Landeghem, who finished 10th in the heats.
The semifinal is set for 10:12 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
