Canada's most decorated Olympian — at just 16, she became the first Canadian to win four medals at a single Summer Olympics, including gold in the 100m freestyle at Rio 2016, equalling the world record.
Canada's most decorated Olympian — at just 16, she became the first Canadian to win four medals at a single Summer Olympics, including gold in the 100m freestyle at Rio 2016, equalling the world record. Swimming rewards marginal gains won through years of technical refinement and obsessive attention to conditioning and race preparation. Career highlights included Olympic Gold 2016 (100m freestyle), 8 Olympic medals (most by a Canadian), First Canadian to win 4 medals at one Summer Games. The dedication required to reach and maintain elite level in swimming is rarely appreciated by outside observers, yet Penny's record speaks precisely to that kind of sustained commitment. Penny's contribution to swimming extends beyond personal statistics to the culture and development of the discipline at the highest level.
Most decorated Canadian Olympian and youngest Olympic champion
How They Played
Explosive sprinter with exceptional closing speed
Lasting Impact
Transformed Canadian swimming and inspired generation of athletes
Olympic Gold 2016 (100m freestyle)
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 2016 (100m freestyle)
- 8 Olympic medals (most by a Canadian)
- First Canadian to win 4 medals at one Summer Games