Lydia Jacoby, who became a star at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is now getting ready for the Paris 2024 Games with a fresh and relaxed approach.
“It’s crazy to think about my journey,” Jacoby told uInterview. “As a kid, I always dreamed of going to the Olympics, and I thought Paris would be my first chance. I imagined I’d be about 20 years old. Achieving so much in Tokyo means I can now swim freely and see what I can do.”
At just 17, Jacoby surprised everyone by winning the gold medal in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke in Tokyo, becoming the first swimmer from Alaska to make the U.S. Olympic swimming team. Her unexpected victory was a highlight of the Games, earning her a spot among the top swimmers in the world.
Looking ahead to Paris, Jacoby wants to stay relaxed and not set too many expectations. “I’m training well and looking forward to the trials,” she said. “I want to defend my Olympic title and see what happens.”
Jacoby knows that staying motivated can be tough, so she keeps a balance in her life. “It can be a grind,” she said. “The most important thing for me is to have other interests outside of swimming, like physical activities, school, or hobbies. If I start to feel burnt out, I can focus on something else for a while.”
When it comes to preparing for races, Jacoby trusts her training. “The biggest thing for me is to have a clear mind when I get on the blocks,” she explained. “I make sure I’ve done everything I can in training so that when it’s time to compete, I know what to do without thinking.”
Jacoby is also excited about the possibility of competing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, although she hadn’t thought much about it before. “Three years ago, I never imagined I’d still be swimming in L.A.,” she said. “But time has flown by, and I can see myself finishing my career at a home Olympics.”
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