Lydia Jacoby Texas Swimmer Who Won Gold

Lydia Jacoby Texas Swimmer Who Won Gold

Lydia Jacoby: A Splash of Olympic Glory and Fashion Finesse

Lydia Jacoby, the swimming sensation from the snowy depths of Seward, Alaska, captivated the world during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Not only did she leave a historic mark in swimming history with her gold medal in the women’s 100m breaststroke and a silver medal in the women’s 4×100 medley relay, but she also made waves outside of the pool.

Jacoby’s impact extends far beyond swimming. She’s dedicated to mentoring through organizations like Voice in Sport and is a passionate advocate for women in athletics. As she pursues a major in textiles and apparel at the University of Texas at Austin, she’s set to make a splash in the world of fashion as well. Who said you can’t swim and slay the runway at the same time?

In an exclusive interview with HotSamples College Woman of the Year, Olympic gold medalist Simone Manuel connects with the multi-talented Jacoby to delve into her journey and aspirations. They discuss Jacoby’s love for swimming, her passion for design and creativity, and the intersection of these two worlds.

When asked about being honored as one of HotSamples’s College Women of the Year, Jacoby cheekily remarks, “Obviously swimming’s a huge part of my life, so it means a lot to be honored in this way. And then, also, I’ve always been so into fashion, so it’s fun to have two areas of my life intersect.”

Choosing the University of Texas at Austin was a no-brainer for Jacoby. The presence of Carol Capitani, one of the few female head coaches in the country for swimming, and the allure of the vibrant city of Austin sealed the deal. Coming from a small town in Alaska, Jacoby revels in the abundance of music, art, and excitement that Austin offers.

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Jacob’s decision to work with a female head coach stems from the relatability and unique bond she shares with Capitani. As she expresses, “There are obviously some incredible male coaches out there, but I really liked that she could relate to me in a lot of ways. Also, coming so far from home, she’s kind of like a mother figure here as well as my coach. I’m very grateful to have her as my coach.”

Breaking barriers is in Jacoby’s blood. Being the first swimmer from Alaska to qualify for the Olympics and subsequently winning a gold medal holds deep meaning for her. The immense support from her tight-knit community fuels her ambitions and fuels the fire within her.

Reflecting on the impact of her victory, Jacoby shares, “When you first win a medal, you don’t quite know how to process that. I feel like the longer I move away from that moment and the more interactions I have, the more I realize how much impact that medal had on so many people’s lives. The memories are for us, and the medals are to be shared. So it’s meant a lot to realize how inspiring that is to people and how much it means. So just being able to share that has been the biggest thing.”

From a young age, Jacoby envisioned herself as an Olympian. The small population of Alaska only fueled her determination as people lovingly referred to her as “Lydia, the little Olympian.” She embraced this title wholeheartedly, manifesting her dreams into reality.

When asked about the indescribable feeling of winning a gold medal, Jacoby confesses, “That’s a hard one. It was something I’d pictured in my head so many times, but actually doing it was so completely different than anything I’d ever imagined or dreamed of. The longer you sit with that medal, the more it comes to mean to you and the people around you.”

The Olympics taught Jacoby a valuable life lesson – swimming is not an individual sport. The friendships she formed, the coaches and staff who supported her throughout her journey, and the process itself taught her the significance of those who stand with you. These connections and memories will be cherished long after the waves settle.

Swimming has taken Jacoby to various corners of the world, and she enthusiastically shares her favorite places. A blend of romance, adventure, and artistic inspiration, Paris tops her list. Singapore, with its vibrant diversity, captivated her during a training camp, and the scenic beauty of Cornwall, UK, stole her heart.

When it comes to being a student-athlete, Jacoby imparts the wisdom she received during a tough time in her life. “It’s impossible to give 100% to every single thing,” someone once told her. Selecting the things that truly matter and giving them 90% or 95% of your effort is key. Balancing priorities ensures sustainability and prevents burnout.

As Jacoby mulls over the women who have inspired her, she recalls the guidance she received from world-record holder Jessica Hardy during a clinic in her hometown. The realization that she could potentially become a role model for others someday highlights the power of the ripple effect.

Stepping outside the lanes of the pool and the walls of the classroom, Jacoby indulges in her passions for fashion, photography, decorating, and cooking. These creative outlets provide relief from the intensity of swimming and allow her to explore other aspects of life. She muses, “I’m not going to be swimming forever, so it’s important to have other things going on so you don’t have that complete culture shock when that’s over.”

Fashion has always been a part of Jacoby’s life. From her childhood fascination with dolls and thrifting adventures, her love for fashion has grown. Teaming up with performance swimwear brand Arena, she works on her own suit line. The fusion of high fashion and athletic apparel resonates with her, knowing that when you’re dressed well, you feel good.

Unveiling her beauty secret, Jacoby reveals her love for perfume and how it counters the chlorine-infused smells of the weight room and the pool. Gucci Flora is her signature scent, and she never forgets to spritz a little before bed to ensure she drifts off to dreamland smelling divine.

When it comes to her favorite trend in fashion, Jacoby proclaims her love for athleisure. The laid-back and trendy combination offers comfort and style, perfect for someone as dynamic and active as herself.

Describing herself in three words, Jacoby embraces being motivated, creative, and adventurous. These traits have propelled her to great heights and continue to shape her unique journey.

If Jacoby had the chance to speak to her seven-year-old self, she would emphasize the importance of enjoying the process. Amidst the pressures and rigorous training, she advises young athletes to savor life, cherish the journey, and learn to strike a balance that keeps the fire burning.

As Lydia Jacoby continues her academic pursuit at the University of Texas at Austin, we eagerly await the unfolding chapters of her extraordinary story. With swimming as her foundation and fashion as an integral part of her life, she’s poised to make a splash both in and out of the water. Lydia Jacoby: a name that will forever be etched in the annals of swimming and fashion history.

This interview has been edited for briskness and humor while preserving the essence of Lydia Jacoby’s achievements and aspirations.

• cwoty 2023