After making history at the 2016 Rio Olympics as the first Canadian to win four medals in a single Summer Games, Penny Oleksiak is gearing up for her return to the Olympic stage in Tokyo this summer. However, this time around, the 21-year-old swimmer is approaching the Games on her own terms, with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

Oleksiak burst onto the international swimming scene in Rio, capturing the hearts of Canadians with her impressive performances in the pool. At just 16 years old, she became a household name overnight, earning a gold medal in the 100m freestyle, silver in the 100m butterfly, and two bronzes in the relays. Her success made her the most decorated Canadian athlete at the Rio Games and a symbol of hope for the future of Canadian swimming.

Since her breakout performance in Rio, Oleksiak has faced her fair share of challenges both in and out of the pool. She struggled to find her form in the years following the Olympics, failing to qualify for individual events at the 2019 World Championships and missing out on the podium at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Despite these setbacks, Oleksiak remained focused on her goals and continued to train diligently with her sights set on Tokyo.

In the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics, Oleksiak has been working closely with her coach Ben Titley to fine-tune her technique and improve her fitness levels. She has also been focusing on her mental preparation, seeking out ways to stay calm and focused under pressure. In a recent interview, Oleksiak spoke about the importance of staying true to herself and not letting external expectations dictate her performance.

“I’ve learned a lot about myself over the past few years, and I’ve come to realize that I perform best when I trust my instincts and swim my own race,” Oleksiak said. “I’m not trying to live up to anyone else’s standards or expectations – I’m just trying to be the best version of myself.”

As she gears up for her second Olympic appearance, Oleksiak is determined to make a splash in Tokyo and show the world what she’s capable of. With a renewed sense of confidence and a clear focus on her own journey, she is ready to take on the world’s best swimmers and make Canada proud once again.

Whether she adds to her medal collection or not, one thing is certain – Penny Oleksiak’s return to the Olympics will be a journey worth watching, as she continues to inspire a new generation of Canadian athletes with her resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit.