JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Rachel McAlpin is a 17-year-old swimmer from Brandon, Mississippi competing in Otopeni, Romania at the World Aquatics Youth Championships, representing the United States.

3 On Your Side spoke with McAlpin about her recent gold medal win, after finishing first in the Women’s 50m Breaststroke category.

“I had to re-look at the board a couple of times and make sure my name was right beside the one. It was so fun,” McAlpin recalled.

“I mean, I wanted to go in there and win. I wanted to get a gold for Team USA.

I wanted to get a gold for my team back at home, Makos, and so doing that and getting that gold and having everyone just there with me was so amazing.”

Since day one, McAlpin’s parents have continued being two of her biggest supporters.

Chris and Khristie McAlpin broke down the exact moment when they realized their daughter was about to take the swimming world by storm.

“Rachel started winning some races and setting some times that this got serious and she wanted to swim in the Olympic Trials,” Chris McAlpin said. “When that journey started, this grew into something more.”

Rachel has also competed in other national events just lanes away from Olympic swimmers, including Lilly King.

Despite being thousands of miles from home, Rachel said the Mississippi support has flooded in throughout the competition.

“Honestly, it’s so amazing to see. I really do miss everybody at home.

Having them text me and calling me – telling me how much they’re proud and they’re just happy for me. It really means a lot,” Rachel said.

“They really have got me through a lot of hard moments in the sport.”

Now, what’s next for Rachel McAlpin?

When Rachel is not competing on the international stage, you can catch her swimming for the Mississippi Makos Swimming Team.

She says she will continue to train and prepare for her college career at the University of Arkansas while also aiming for a spot on Team USA at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Even though Rachel’s individual competition may be over in Romania, she will stay to cheer on her fellow teammates.