Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
See These Swimmers Share A Sweet Hug After South Africa Takes Gold And A World Record
South Africa's Tatjana Schoenmaker (2nd R) reacts with South Africa's Kaylene Corbett (R) and medalists Annie Lazor and Lilly King of Team USA after winning the final of the women's 200m breaststroke swimming event at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre on Friday.
South African swimmer Tatjana Schoenmaker stunned Olympic viewers with her historic win in the women's 200-meter breaststroke. But what happened next was equally sweet.
The 24-year-old claimed both a gold medal and a new world record Friday: 2:18.95. She's the first woman to swim the event in under 2 minutes, 19 seconds, a record set in 2013.
And by the looks of it, Schoenmaker also surprised herself. Broadcast cameras captured the moment she saw her results. Eyes wide, she lifts her arms above her head and screams excitedly before covering her face, visibly emotional.
Tatjana Schoenmaker of Team South Africa reacts after winning the gold medal and breaking the world record in the women's 200-meter breaststroke final on Friday. It's South Africa's first gold medal of the Tokyo Olympics.
(
Harry How / Getty Images
)
That's when Team USA's Annie Lazor — who took home bronze — came over from the next lane to wrap Schoenmaker in a hug. They were soon joined by South Africa's Kaylene Corbett and American Lilly King, who set a blistering pace early in the event and finished in second place.
Their sweet embrace is warming hearts around the world and across the internet. And fans really do have much to be excited about.
This is South Africa's first gold medal of the Tokyo Games, and the first time in 25 years that a female South African swimmer has won one.
Sponsored message
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
South Africa's Tatjana Schoenmaker is embraced by Lilly King and Annie Lazor of Team USA, and Kaylene Corbett of South Africa. Schoenmaker smashed a world record set in 2013.
(
Rob Carr / Getty Images
)
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
