Dutch swimmer Sharon van Rouwendaal’s Olympic gold medal victory in the 10km marathon swim was a poignant moment, as she dedicated her triumph to her beloved dog, Rio, who passed away two months prior.
After Rio’s passing, van Rouwendaal lost her motivation to swim. However, her father encouraged her to race one more time in Rio’s memory. Inspired by his words, she got a paw-shaped tattoo in Rio’s honor and vowed to swim with all her heart.
On race day, van Rouwendaal braved the challenging conditions of the River Seine, which included floating feces. Despite the adversity, she emerged victorious, fulfilling her promise to Rio.
In an emotional interview after the race, van Rouwendaal pointed to her tattoo and said, “I did it for him.” Her gesture touched the hearts of many, including Instagram users who shared their own stories of loss and inspiration.
Van Rouwendaal’s victory is a testament to the unbreakable bond between humans and animals. It also highlights the power of perseverance and the ability to find motivation in the face of adversity.
