Margaret “Maggie” Mac Neil (CAN) has been crowned Best Female Athlete of Tokyo 2020 at the seventh edition of the ANOC (Association of National Olympic Committees) Awards, held yesterday in Crete (GR).
Maggie Mac Neil had a memorable Olympic debut this summer, winning Canada’s first gold medal of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 after finishing first in the women’s 100m butterfly. The 21-year-old swimmer from London, Ontario also won silver in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay and bronze in the women's 4x100m medley relay. The ANOC Awards event was created to show appreciation to National Olympic Committees and their athletes for their dedication to the Olympic Movement and for promoting the Olympic values all year round.
After receiving the prestigious award, Mac Neil said:
To win three medals at my debut Olympic Games really was an incredible feeling, and becoming Olympic champion for the first time is a moment I will cherish forever. Winning gold in the 100m butterfly, two years after becoming world champion, is something I cannot describe with words. I am very grateful to ANOC for recognising me with this award and inviting me to the beautiful island of Crete to receive it alongside some legendary athletes. This award caps off the best year in my career so far! However, I still have so many years ahead of me and I will continue to work hard so that I keep challenging and winning at the highest level.
FINA President Captain Husain Al-Musallam said:
Congratulations on winning this prestigious award. This is recognition for your exceptional hard work and dedication to swimming. To win three medals at your debut Olympic Games is an incredible achievement; it is moments like these that inspire the next generation of young aquatics athletes around the world.