Dutch swimmer Sharon van Rouwendaal dedicated her gold medal in the 10km Olympic marathon swim event to her late beloved dog.

Van Rouwendaal, who had won the same event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, once again proved her dominance in the grueling long-distance swimming competition, clocking a time of 2:00:44 to clinch the top spot on the podium.

Moments after receiving her gold medal, the 26-year-old swimmer broke down in tears and shared a touching tribute to her dog, who had passed away earlier this year.

“This gold medal is for you, my dear Buddy,” Van Rouwendaal said, visibly emotional. “You were my constant companion during all those long training sessions, and I know you were watching over me throughout this race.”

The swimmer explained that Buddy, a loyal Labrador retriever, had been by her side for many years, providing companionship and emotional support as she trained tirelessly for the Olympics.

“Buddy was more than just a pet to me. He was my best friend, my confidant, and my inspiration. I’m sure he’s smiling down on me from heaven right now,” Van Rouwendaal said, wiping away tears.

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The heartfelt gesture from the Dutch athlete resonated with sports fans around the world, who took to social media to express their admiration and condolences.

“This is such a beautiful and emotional moment. Losing a beloved pet is never easy, but to dedicate an Olympic gold to your dog is truly special,” one Twitter user commented.

Van Rouwendaal’s triumph in the 10km marathon swim event, coupled with her emotional tribute to Buddy, has solidified her status as one of the most inspiring and beloved athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics.