Lee Jin-man / Associated Press
United States’ Cody Miller holds up his bronze medal after the final of the men’s 100-meter breaststroke during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016 | 8:10 p.m.
The NBC cameras focused on the winner of the race at the Rio Olympics, and rightfully so. Adam Peaty of Great Britain set a world record in the 100-meter breaststroke finals at the Rio Olympics.
In the background, though, a swimmer from Las Vegas shared the spotlight. You couldn’t help hearing Cody Miller wildly celebrate his third-place finish for a bronze medal.
Miller, a 24-year-old graduate of Palo Verde High School, established an American record with a 58.87-second swim to earn his first Olympic medal.
“So happy,” he told NBC. “I have been dreaming about this since I was a little kid, and you never really think it’s going to happen until it happens.”
Peaty took gold at 57.13 seconds for the world record, and South Africa’s Cameron Van Der Burgh, at 58.69 seconds, won the silver.
Social media immediately started buzzing with Miller’s reaction. He didn’t win gold, but realized the importance being on the podium and having a medal draped around his neck.
“There’s something so awesome about Cody Miller being thrilled as he is with the bronze. Damn refreshing,” Darren Rovell of ESPN posted on Twitter.
Miller was first from of the Sandpipers of Nevada club team to qualify for the Olympics. Fittingly, he thanked the club during his post-race interview.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
Join the Discussion:
Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.
Full comments policy