Swimmer Chase Kalisz earns first U.S. gold at Tokyo Olympic Games

July 26, 2021 carleyshaffer1 US 0

TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 25: Chase Kalisz of Team United States celebrates with the gold medal for the Men's 400m Individual Medley Final on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 25, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Chase Kalisz of Team U.S. celebrates with the gold medal for the Men’s 400m Individual Medley Final on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 25, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

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UPDATED 2:25 PM PT – Sunday, July 25, 2021

The U.S. has won its first gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. On Saturday, swimmer Chase Kalisz topped the field in the men’s 400-meter medley, becoming the first American to win gold at the games. “I’m happy to be here and kick the U.S. off,” said Kalisz.

Fellow American Jay Litherland earned a silver medal in the race after finishing closely behind his compatriot. “To come back and do this with Chase means a lot,” said Litherland, who placed fifth in the 400-meter at the Rio Games.

U.S. swimmers won a total of six medals in the second day of the games, including a silver in the women’s 400-meter individual medley and bronze in the 400-meter team freestyle relay. This comes after the U.S. notably failed to earn a medal on the first official day of the Olympics.

TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 25: Chase Kalisz of Team United States celebrates winning the gold medal in the Men's 400m Individual Medley Final on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 25, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Chase Kalisz of Team U.S. celebrates winning the gold medal in the Men’s 400m Individual Medley Final on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on July 25, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images)