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STORIES / Penny Oleksiak

Penny Oleksiak

With 9 career medals, Penny Oleksiak is Canada’s most decorated Canadian Olympian. She learned how to swim in her neighbour’s pool at the age of 9 and at 16, she won four medals at the Summer Olympics.

A portrait illustration of Penny Oleksiak.

Olympic Swimmer
Born in 2000

Penny Oleksiak, Canada’s most decorated Olympian, achieved international acclaim with an astonishing feat at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, securing four medals: one gold, one silver, and two bronze – at just 16 years old. She became the first Canadian athlete to win four medals in a single Summer Olympics. At the Tokyo 2020 Games, Oleksiak continued to shine, capturing three more medals: one silver and two bronze – solidifying her position as the most decorated Canadian Olympian of all time. With nine career medals, Penny is also Canada’s most decorated swimmer at the FINA World Championships.


Oleksiak’s talent and unwavering commitment serve as an inspiration to young swimmers, motivating future generations of athletes to pursue excellence in their endeavours.


Explore more women who transformed Toronto.

Further Resources
Read more about Oleksiak from Olympics Canada
Explore SportsNets’ and Maclean’s Coverage on Oleksiak’s story

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