Olympic aspirations started early with encouragement from P.E. teacher

Seward swimmer Lydia Jacoby has united Alaska with pride after her stunning gold medal win in the women’s 100 meter breaststroke. The story of the 17-year-old rising senior has captivated people across the country.

The only other Alaskan competing in the Tokyo Olympics is Alev Kelter on the U.S. women’s rugby team. Before she became an Olympian, Kelter graduated from Chugiak High School and then played hockey and soccer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

While Jacoby and Kelter are the only current Alaskan residents competing in Tokyo, a sprinter on Team USA first noticed his standout speed while in elementary school in Anchorage.

Ronnie Baker attended Willow Crest Elementary School in the Anchorage School District where Coach Leroy Jones had to constantly think of ways to challenge him. Although Baker moved to Kentucky in fifth grade, he remembers the impact Coach Jones had on him in early years.

Alaska’s News Source spoke with both Jones and Baker about how Baker is making good on a promise he made to his teacher. Click here to watch the story.