Canadians go wild for 'incredible' Penny Oleksiak

When Penny Oleksiak stormed back to win Canada's first gold medal of the Rio Olympic Games, it set off quite the celebration. Here are some of the best social media posts after the big win.

Canada's first swimming gold in 24 years brings out a big celebration

CBC Sports Posted: Aug 12, 2016 1:11 AM EDT | Last Updated: August 12, 2016

Penny Oleksiak, right, set off an online firestorm with her gold-medal performance Thursday night. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

She went from seventh place at the turnto tied for first and setan Olympic record in the process.

Penny Oleksiak set off quite the online storm with her gold-medal performance in the women's 100-metre freestyle final Thursday night, her fourth medal of the Games.

SCHEDULE & RESULTS: Swimming at Rio 2016
WATCH:Penny Oleksiak wins gold for Canada in the women`s 100m freestyle
WATCH: Penny Oleksiak is given her first Olympic gold medal

Mark Tewksbury, the last Canadian to win a gold in swimming, didn'tseem to mind giving up the title.

A 24 year gold draught for Canada is over. So proud to pass the baton to @OleksiakPenny. Incredible. 7th at 50m and ties for the win. Wow
—@marktewks

One of Canada's 2014closing ceremony flag bearers had some praise for the early favourite this time around.

Congrats @OleksiakPenny #rockstar Inspiring all @TeamCanada @SwimmingCanada #gold #history #4medals #olympics pic.twitter.com/bpXDNOxY92
—@BobsledKaillie

Reminder: Penny Oleksiakis 16-years-old.

Canada's Olympics so far: pic.twitter.com/pelOIaBrr4
—@TheRealBenBlum

Thats FOUR Olympic medals for @OleksiakPenny, the most by a Canadian at a Summer Games. #GOLD 100 fr#SILVER 100 fly#BRONZE 4x100, 4x200
—@CallumNg

When I grow up I want to be Penny Oleksiak.
—@SNCaroline

Her brother is taking his demotion as the family's second most successful athlete in stride.

Looks like gold to me pic.twitter.com/17cQvfccNK
—@jamieoleksiak

Her teammates, while proud, weren't necessarily surprised.

MY GIRL @OleksiakPenny !!!!!!!!! WHAT A ROCKSTAR!!!!!
—@Kjmasse

@OleksiakPenny IS AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION AND JUST MADE HISTORY! Couldn't be more proud you are an inspiration!!!!!!
—@overholtemily

She asked me this morning, "Has Canada won any golds yet?" I said, "No", and pointed at her. #PENNYWINSGOLD !!
—@michellewill5

Remember those Drake tickets Oleksiak couldn't get? Well, that's not going to be an issue going forward.

Hey @OleksiakPenny! We got your @Drake tickets!!! - @PeterKash pic.twitter.com/QPGnoLH8qu
—@935TheMoveTO

Canada abolished the penny in 2013, but some havesuggested bringing back the one-cent coinwith a slightly different design.

Bring back the Penny. pic.twitter.com/xqEpU1mGTx
—@mhenderson95

And finally, here's what the star of the night had to say.

So incredibly honoured and humbled by everything that's happened here tonight. Never been so proud to be part of @TeamCanada
—@OleksiakPenny

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices|About CBC Sports

Corrections and clarifications|

Canadians go wild for 'incredible' Penny Oleksiak

Canada's first swimming gold in 24 years brings out a big celebration

Related Stories