A day after capturing Canada’s first medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Maggie Mac Neil added gold to her collection finishing with a Canadian record time of 55.59 in the women’s 100-metre butterfly.
Making her Olympic debut, the 21-year-old made a big push in the final 50 metres and it took herself a few seconds to realize what she accomplished.
“I heard my name called so I thought I did something well,” said Mac Neil. “I turned around and scanned the scoreboard. I don’t think it will process for a little while.”
Back in Woodstock, Ont., family and friends gathered to watch the race at a drive-in movie theatre making sure to enjoy the victory despite being thousands of kilometres away.
“Thank you, guys, so much,” Mac Neil said when asked about the support she’s received from home. “It means the world to have your support.”
Mac Neil also made sure to take the time to send out some words of encouragement to young athletes looking to follow in her footsteps.
"The ceiling is endless so go reach for it."
— @mags_swims26 with an inspiring message for young athletes, after capturing @TeamCanada's first gold medal at #Tokyo2020. pic.twitter.com/F7Ifc41W7F
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 26, 2021
Many Canadians took to social media to celebrate Canada’s first gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
The first gold is always huge-super motivating for all other athletes in the games! Way to go @mags_swims26! https://t.co/EhMK5AR104
— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) July 26, 2021
That’s how it’s done! Congratulations, @Mags_Swims26, on bringing home Canada’s first gold medal. #Tokyo2020 #TeamCanada https://t.co/nVSlj9wLro
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 26, 2021
The @LACswimnation family cheered on @mags_swims26 in her swim! Bravo!! pic.twitter.com/gULk5atFkP
— Mme Sturby (@sturbs2) July 26, 2021
YES!!!!!!@mags_swims26 !!!
From now on, you can refer to her as Maggie MacNeil, Olympic Gold Medalist!!#MGoTokyo #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/CJfMdpy5Lz
— Michigan Swimming & Diving (@umichswimdive) July 26, 2021
I can’t do a singular thing without my contacts in, but here’s @mags_swims26 winnin gold without hers (but not being able to see that she won gold hehe) so sweet so wholesome CONGRATS MAGGIE!! #Olympics
— The Beaches (@thebeaches) July 26, 2021
Oh Canada! Way to go for gold, @mags_swims26! pic.twitter.com/QrEyJeB97f
— Catherine McKenna (@cathmckenna) July 26, 2021
Priceless @mags_swims26 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/b4WIkh2kqa
— The Sports Shot (@TheSportsShot) July 26, 2021
https://twitter.com/suki50/status/1419520477970800641
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