While at Princeton University, Ashleigh Johnson established herself as one of the nation’s top water polo goalkeepers. You would have thought that joining Team USA at the Olympics was naturally the next step. However, it was Coach Adam Krikorian’s pitch that sealed the deal.
“The sell wasn’t to be an Olympian or win a gold medal,” Krikorian told the Olympic Channel. It was what a great role model she would be.”
And it worked.
Johnson has done more than embrace this role but has thrived as arguably the face of Team USA’s water polo team. The 29-year-old is back for a third time as Team USA’s goalkeeper—the team goes for the gold today at this year’s summer games—with the same mission she had in the previous two trips: win a gold medal.
Once again, Team USA women’s water polo team will be favored to be at the top of the podium stand. How Johnson performs will go far in their quest for an Olympic gold three-peat.
During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Johnson affirmed her status as one of the best goalkeepers on the planet. She made 80 saves, the most among all goalkeepers during that competition.
Image: Marcel ter Bals/BSR Agency/Getty Images.
But beyond her success in the pool, Johnson’s mission in Paris is the same as it was at the Rio and Tokyo Games. She strives to be someone who inspires other Black people to pursue water polo and other aquatic sports.
As the team’s first Black player, Johnson was among the breakout stars on the gold medal-winning 2016 USA Water Polo team.
In addition to winning the gold medal, she received other accolades, including the Women Sports Foundation’s Sportswoman of the Year – Team Sport award.
“As the first Black woman to represent the U.S. Olympic team in water polo, it was amazing to just have that experience,” she said. “It’s just really cool to break through that invisible barrier you don’t think about until you’re there (at the Olympics).”
While Johnson leans into her status as a role model, she initially didn’t fully comprehend it.
“I remember when I was young on this national team and just starting to find my footing, I didn’t understand why it was important for me to be here,” she told NBC News. “But I understand now. As a Black woman of Caribbean descent in this sport, I definitely feel a special obligation to be a light for little Black and brown girls and boys who may be interested in swimming and water polo. That’s really special and is a priority for me.”
Johnson has brought a deeper understanding of water polo to many. Among them is her mom.
“I didn’t even know what water polo was,” her mother, Donna Johnson, told NBC News. “I had these horrible nightmares and daymares of them falling into the pool and them all trying to save each other, but all drowning together.”
But in time, Johnson’s mother realized this was about more than just competing. It was a calling that her daughter was more than willing and able to answer.
“I am very happy that playing the sport has helped her grow into someone who loves to inspire kids,” Johnson said.
That inspiration will continue to create more opportunities for others in the world of water polo.
“The more they can see someone like Ashleigh do what she can do, the more African Americans we can get involved in our sport,” Krikorian said.
