Red Deer, Alta. relay swimmer takes silver in Tokyo
21-year-old Rebecca Smith of Red Deer helped secure one of Team Canada’s first medals at the Tokyo Olympic Games on Saturday.
“The reactions was great. I think there was many tears, happy tears for sure,” said her mother Sandi from the family’s home.
Smith was competing in the women’s 4 x 100m freestyle relay with teammates Penny Oleksiak, Kayla Sanchez and Margaret MacNeil, where they secured a second-place finish.
Her family held a watch party Saturday evening, taking in the entire performance.
“She has worked so hard since she was a little girl,” said sister Madalyn. “She’s just dedicated and she has always had that drive to go to the Olympics and wanted it really bad.”
The Smiths say while Rebecca was on the bus following her victory – she was able to Facetime with them.
Ecstatic about the victory, her parents Sandi and Scott say they are very proud.
“It’s very emotional but very exciting for her,” said Scott. “(We are) super proud of her, and very thankful to everyone. They talk about, ‘it takes a village’ and family, a lot of support and a lot of encouragement.”
The Smiths say it’s disappointing not to celebrate alongside Rebecca, but are excited to see her medal when she arrives home.
“Over a year ago, we were planning on going, we had time booked off, we were doing our research to go,” said Sandi. “But being home, definitely was a little bit different.”
Rebecca began swimming at the Roland Michener Recreation Centre when she was younger.
Mandi Smith, who is not related, coached Rebecca from seven years old until she was 16 at the Red Deer Catalina Swim Club.
Smith says this win showcases Red Deer on the world stage and says she is proud to play a part in Rebecca’s journey.
“Seeing that big smile, its one of those smiles that I have seen for years and years,” said Smith.
“As a little age grouper, as she came up and through and how she was selected to junior teams, provincial teams and national teams.”
Rebecca will compete again on Wednesday in the 4x200m relay.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP calls out Conservatives for effort to quash pharmacare legislation
The federal New Democrats are calling out Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party for trying to block the bill that could pave the way for millions of Canadians to access birth control and diabetes coverage.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
DEVELOPING Hamas accepts Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar
Hamas said it has accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar which seeks to halt the seven-month war with Israel in Gaza.
Stamp prices rise for the third time in five years amid financial woes for Canada Post
Canada Post is increasing stamp prices for the third time since 2019, a move the Crown corporation says is a "reality" of its sales-based revenue structure.
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer's disease
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.
B.C. court date set for 3 accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three suspects accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year are scheduled to appear in court in Surrey on Tuesday.
Ontario MPP asked again to leave Ontario legislature over keffiyeh, Speaker loosens ban
An Ontario MPP was asked again to leave the Ontario legislature on Monday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment that was banned by the Speaker last month due to its political symbolism.