2021 marks PressBox’s fifth annual Best Of edition celebrating the top people, performances and moments of the year.
Best Breakthrough
Having Michael Phelps as a mentor, “big brother” and one-time training partner at North Baltimore Aquatic Club put quite the significant spotlight on Fallston’s Chase Kalisz at a young age.
He delivered on that promise when he claimed a silver medal in the 400 IM at the 2016 Olympics.
But going into the COVID-delayed Tokyo Olympics in July, he was not the favorite to win gold in that event. He was only the third fastest in qualifying heats for the final.
But Kalisz was the best when it mattered most, claiming his first career Olympic gold with a time of 4:09:42.
Photo Credit: Mike Lewis/USA Swimming
For more Best Of, visit PressBoxOnline.com/BestOf.
Plus: Check out PressBox’s 2021 Mo Gaba Sportsperson of the Year, Justin Tucker.