May 6th 2024.
Ashleigh Johnson's journey began with a simple desire: to ease her mother's worries whenever they were near water. Growing up with four siblings, Johnson's mother always had a fear of them being around water. As Johnson grew up, her love for swimming grew and eventually led her to discover the unique sport of water polo. Unlike her siblings, Johnson found her calling as a goalkeeper and excelled in the position. This led her to attend Princeton University, where she became the all-time saves leader and helped the team achieve 100 wins.
In 2016, Johnson made history by becoming the first Black athlete to join the United States Olympic team for water polo. She went on to lead her team to a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Rio. Four years later, she once again helped her team bring home the gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Now, as she prepares for the Paris Olympic Games, Johnson is widely recognized as the best water polo goalkeeper in the world.
In an interview with NBC News, Johnson revealed that her motivation comes from inspiring others, not from winning gold medals or receiving individual recognition. She believes that as she continues to play the sport, it becomes less about her and more about being a role model for young Black and brown girls and boys who may be interested in swimming and water polo. To Johnson, this is a special responsibility that she takes seriously and prioritizes.
Johnson added, "It's amazing to see how impactful sports can be. I have had the opportunity to connect with young athletes and share our experiences and struggles. I've been through similar challenges as them, and being able to offer words of encouragement is truly special. We may all be unique in our own ways, but we are also very similar. These interactions with the kids make us all stronger."
Recently, during the 100 Days Until Paris celebration on the Kelly Clarkson Show, Johnson was surprised by her mother, Donna. Donna, who had no prior knowledge of water polo, shared that she used to have nightmares about her children drowning in the pool. However, she is now proud of the person her daughter has become and how she inspires others. In an interview with NBC News, Donna said, "I am happy that playing water polo has helped Ashleigh become someone who loves to inspire kids."
Johnson also uses her platform to uplift and empower other women in sports. She recently spent a day with Ari Ivory, a champion of women's sports, and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to connect and learn from each other.
It's clear that for Ashleigh Johnson, her journey is about more than just winning medals. It's about inspiring others, breaking barriers, and using her passion for water polo to make a positive impact on the world. From her simple desire to ease her mother's worries to becoming an Olympic gold medalist and role model, Johnson's journey is truly a remarkable one.
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