Watch This Video of Alaskan Students Freaking Out After High School Student Wins Gold in the Olympics 17-year-old Lydia Jacoby became a hometown hero after the stunning upset.

By Chloe Arrojado

Xavier Laine | Getty Images

On Tuesday, high school student Lydia Jacoby won gold in the Tokyo Olympics women's 100m breaststroke in an upset against defending gold medalist Lilly King. Despite being populated by fewer than 3,000 people, Jacoby's hometown of Seward, Alaska didn't hold back on the celebration.

In a video posted by NBC, a crowd of people watching her shocking win from the Alaskan town can be seen cheering on the 17-year-old athlete.

In the video, the crowd can be seen screaming and flashing foam fingers before jumping out of their chairs in enthusiasm. In a separate watch party in Orlando, Jacoby's parents are also shown cheering on their daughter.

Jacoby appreciated the reaction, and laughed when being shown the video of people celebrating on her win. When asked what Jacoby wanted to tell the audience, she thanked everyone for "everything over these years" and told NBC that their support has been "amazing."

This won't be Jacoby's only appearance at the Olympics, as she'll compete in the 4x100m medley relay and possibly the 4x100m mixed medley relay. But Jacoby can rest assured that she's already made history as Alaska's first Olympic swimmer.

"A lot of big-name swimmers come from big, powerhouse clubs,'' Jacoby told ESPN. "Me coming from a small club, in a state with such a small population, really shows everyone that you can do it no matter where you're from.''

Related: Google Creates Its Most Elaborate Doodle in Honor of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Chloe Arrojado

Entrepreneur Staff

Editorial Assistant

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Amazon Tells Thousands of Employees to Relocate or Resign

Amazon says the move to bring teams together will make them more "effective."

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

'Largest Data Breach in History': Apple, Google, and Meta Passwords Reportedly Among 16 Billion Stolen in Massive Hack

"Massive datasets" have been emerging every few weeks, according to a new report.

Devices

This $180 Chromebook Offers Flexibility and Performance for On-the-Go Entrepreneurs

This Chromebook is designed for entrepreneurs who need power and portability, and now it's 45% off.

Business Solutions

Tackle Decision Fatigue With This CEO-Worthy AI Tool

Let AI help you make some decisions with SkillWee, an app designed with entrepreneurs in mind.

Business News

Meta Poaches the CEO of a $32 Billion AI Startup — After Trying to Buy the Company and Being Told No

Meta is reportedly offering up to nine figures in compensation for AI researchers, amounting to $100 million signing bonuses and even higher overall pay.