ALASKAN GOLD

SEWARD LOCAL LYDIA JACOBY WINS ALASKA’S FIRST OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL

2021 FREELANCE WORK FOR THE SEWARD JOURNAL COVERING THE LIVE WATCH PARTY AND CELEBRATORY PARADE IN SEWARD, ALASKA.

Olympic gold and silver from Lydia Jacoby displayed in front of Mount Marathon on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Olympic gold and silver from Lydia Jacoby displayed in front of Mount Marathon on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Teammates in Seward scream in celebration after Lydia Jacoby wins gold in the 100 meter breaststroke on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Teammates in Seward scream in celebration after Lydia Jacoby wins gold in the 100 meter breaststroke on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Excitement and creativity from Sewardians as they wait for Jacoby to pass during a parade welcoming the Olympian home on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska

Excitement and creativity from Sewardians as they wait for Jacoby to pass during a parade welcoming the Olympian home on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska

The Tsunami Swim Club jumps for joy as they realize their teammate Lydia Jacoby won Olympic Gold on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

The Tsunami Swim Club jumps for joy as they realize their teammate Lydia Jacoby won Olympic Gold on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Bear Mountain looms behind Jacoby and encouraging fans as she parades through downtown Seward on August 5, 2021.

Bear Mountain looms behind Jacoby and encouraging fans as she parades through downtown Seward on August 5, 2021.

Mothers react in disbelief as Jacoby wins Alaska's first swimming gold medal on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Mothers react in disbelief as Jacoby wins Alaska's first swimming gold medal on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Lydia Jacoby and her parents soak in the love from their local community on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Lydia Jacoby and her parents soak in the love from their local community on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Two of Jacoby's teammates stand in awe after the gold medal swim on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Two of Jacoby's teammates stand in awe after the gold medal swim on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Youths display hand-made signs supporting their new hero on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska

Youths display hand-made signs supporting their new hero on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska

A young adult cant help but get teary-eyed watching the historic moment on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

A young adult cant help but get teary-eyed watching the historic moment on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

The gold and silver won by Jacoby on display during the homecoming parade August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

The gold and silver won by Jacoby on display during the homecoming parade August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Current and previous coaches of Lydia Jacoby pause for a picture following the improbable victory on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Current and previous coaches of Lydia Jacoby pause for a picture following the improbable victory on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Solomon D'Amico acknowledges supporters of the Tsunami Swim Club during the homecoming parade on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Solomon D'Amico acknowledges supporters of the Tsunami Swim Club during the homecoming parade on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Local youths sign a poster for Lydia upon return from Japan on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Local youths sign a poster for Lydia upon return from Japan on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Jacoby laughs with locals screaming their congrats along the parade route on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Jacoby laughs with locals screaming their congrats along the parade route on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

The Seward Cruise Ship Terminal is packed for a livestream of the event on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

The Seward Cruise Ship Terminal is packed for a livestream of the event on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Seward pauses and empties to the streets to welcome home their hometown Olympian on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Seward pauses and empties to the streets to welcome home their hometown Olympian on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

A young toddler gets hyped while waiting for the start of the race on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

A young toddler gets hyped while waiting for the start of the race on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Hundreds sit on the banks of Resurrection Bay as Jacoby answers fans questions from boat in the harbor on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Hundreds sit on the banks of Resurrection Bay as Jacoby answers fans questions from boat in the harbor on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Lydia's coach, Solomon D'Amico prior to the race as he wraps up his prep cook shift on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Lydia's coach, Solomon D'Amico prior to the race as he wraps up his prep cook shift on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

An elderly supporter stands underneath the infamous Mount Marathon of Seward prior to the competition on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

An elderly supporter stands underneath the infamous Mount Marathon of Seward prior to the competition on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Alaskan Governor Mike Dunleavy honors Lydia Jacoby underneath the Resurrection Peaks of Seward on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Alaskan Governor Mike Dunleavy honors Lydia Jacoby underneath the Resurrection Peaks of Seward on August 5, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Olympic Gold for Seward's own Lydia Jacoby on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.

Olympic Gold for Seward's own Lydia Jacoby on July 26, 2021 in Seward, Alaska.