Through a Parent’s Eyes: The Extraordinary Rise of Olympic Champion Torri Huske

Torri Huske, a two-time Olympian, jump-started Team USA’s gold medal journey at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with her victory in the 100-meter butterfly race on July 28, 2024. Torri, who agonizingly missed a podium finish by a mere one-hundredth of a second at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, triumphed over fierce competition to claim her first gold medal in Paris.

“It was a surreal moment,” Torri shared with Carderock employees and their families in West Bethesda, Maryland, on August 26, 2024. “It’s one of those dreams that feels unbelievable when it finally comes true.”

From the stands of the Paris La Defense Arena, her mother Ying watched with bated breath. “You always hope your child can reach their potential,” Ying said. “Torri was representing the United States, and seeing her swim her heart out was extraordinarily fulfilling.”

Ying, an immigrant from China, faced significant challenges before settling in the U.S. She attended graduate school at Virginia Tech and later moved to northern Virginia for work. Swimming became Ying’s way to stay fit, extending her passion to her daughter.

“I never swam competitively,” Ying remarked. “But I swam until two days before giving birth to Torri. I wanted her to be comfortable with water.”

Initially hesitant, Torri eventually agreed to take swimming classes at the Arlington Aquatic Center when she was around five years old, paving the way for her future Olympic career. Even now, Torri returns to train with AAC during school breaks.

Currently a student at Stanford University, Torri took a year off to focus on the Paris Olympics and emerged with three golds and two silvers. She will now complete her degree in product design.

“Thinking about my daughter competing at this level gives me goosebumps,” Ying said, reflecting on Torri’s dual role as a student and athlete.

Challenges mounted in 2023, primarily due to her heavy academic and training schedule. Despite this, Torri persisted, taking a strategic break from school to concentrate on her Olympic goals.

“Torri had to balance rigorous academics and intense training,” Ying detailed. “Her friends and teammates’ support has been crucial.”

Torri’s determination was vividly evident during her 100-meter butterfly race. “In the final stretch, she didn’t breathe for five strokes,” Ying revealed, highlighting her daughter’s fierce resolve to win.

Both Torri and Ying expressed gratitude to their supporters at Carderock Division. “Even from miles away, I felt your support,” Torri acknowledged.

Ying echoed this sentiment, thanking her coworkers and leadership for their unwavering encouragement. “Your support has been invaluable,” she said. “I am proud to be part of the Navy team and even more proud to be an American.”

Since her Paris triumph, Torri has become a national icon. Looking ahead, she aims to compete in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, with the enthusiastic backing of her home nation.