Home

Swimming

VIDEO: Swimming Goggles Cost USA a Medal During Tokyo Olympics 2020

Published 07/31/2021, 7:30 AM EDT

Follow Us

For the first time in the history of the Olympics, the mixed medley relay was held. In what was a unique event at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, top swimming nations competed for gold. At the end of the race, Great Britain took home the gold in the debut event. China took the silver medal while Australia won the bronze.

During the breaststroke split, Lydia Jacoby came out to swim and lost her goggles. The US teenager’s goggles covered her face when she dived into the pool.

Even though she swam and put in a respectable performance, the US could not come back after that mishap. Caeleb Dressel went last in the freestyle but came short and finished fifth with a time of 3:40.58.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Jacoby’s mishap at Tokyo Olympics 2020

The swimmers looked excited and eager to compete in the race. However, every swimmer displayed competitiveness and determination to perform well in the event.

But during the breaststroke split, commentators pointed out at Lydia’s goggles being in an unusual position when the cameras zoomed into the swimming pool. It was a real hindrance as she swam the whole 100-meters with those goggles on her face.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Swimming stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Unfortunately, the USA could not recover from that. Not only that, the other teams in the competition were stronger, too. Great Britain, China, and Australia proved to be much tougher opponents for the Americans despite the equipment mishap faced by Jacoby.

Notably, Great Britain’s Adam Peaty proved once again why he is the best breaststroke swimmer in the world. He put in an incredible performance in the breaststroke split and caught up with Jacoby to put the Brits ahead of the Americans.

SHOCKING: Novak Djokovic Loses Bronze Medal Match Against Pablo Carreno Busta in a Fierce Battle at the Tokyo Olympics 2020

Lydia Jacoby is one for the future

Even though she lost her way through this event, Jacoby’s rise to the top is amazing. Becoming the first Alaskan to win a gold medal, the 17-year-old competed with the likes of Lilly King and shocked the world with a stunning swim in the 100-meter breaststroke race. She finished the race with a time of 1:04.95.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

With one eye on the future, the US swimming team took eleven teenagers to Tokyo. However, the victory for Jacoby looks to be important for the country in producing top swimmers for the future. Her victory shows the depth in the US roster for future Olympic events.

via Reuters

Despite the troubles Jacoby faced in the medley relay, the breakout superstar is headed to be one of the best in the world. Katie Ledecky won the 800-meter freestyle at the age of 15 and the rest is history.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY- Top 10 Greatest Moments in Olympic History

Lydia is not far away either when it comes to talent. The swimmer from Alaska looks set to become the next superstar in swimming.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Jacob Gijy

1,956Articles

One take at a time

Jacob Gijy is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the centre the respect he deserves.
Show More>