Olympic gold medalist Lydia Jacoby welcomed home with parade

Olympic champion Lydia Jacoby returned home last week, welcomed by a parade in her hometown of Seward, Alaska.

Photos: Seward’s Olympic champ returns home, and it’s a party in the streets. https://t.co/3vRzhKCH4V pic.twitter.com/VLD48n0RJU

— Marc Lester (@marclesterphoto) August 6, 2021

Jacoby is the first Alaskan to make the U.S. Olympic swim team. As a result, she’s also their first Olympic gold medalist in swimming.

With just one 50-meter pool in the entire state, Jacoby had limited resources for training growing up.

“Obviously, I come from a small town,” she said, answering questions from a tour boat. “Wherever you’re from and whatever resources you have, with dedication and time you can make it happen.”

pic.twitter.com/bsVkr9fnd9

— Ashlyn O'Hara (@ashlyn_ohara) August 6, 2021

Some of my shots from Lydia Jacoby’s honorary parade in Seward tonight! 🏅🏊🏻‍♀️ #KPBorough #Olympics #womeninsports pic.twitter.com/vXgEYhmbao

— Camille Botello (@BotelloCamille) August 6, 2021

Seward showed UP for Lydia Jacoby! #KPBorough pic.twitter.com/feCe3vPc2v

— Ashlyn O'Hara (@ashlyn_ohara) August 6, 2021