US Swimmer Missy Franklin Takes Home First Olympic Gold

At 17-years-old many people would be happy to graduate high school, but for swimmer Missy Franklin the accomplishments go much further.

The Team USA member beat out her fellow competitors in the 100-meter backstroke on Monday (July 30), which meant she was bringing home the gold medal in her first individual win.

Overjoyed about her achievement, the young Olympian tweeted, “I am so grateful for everything that has happened. God has blessed me with so much. Thank you so much for all the love and support!”

Although Missy, who resides in Aurora, CO, is celebrating her win, the soon-to-be high school graduate says that right now all of her races are dedicated to her grief-stricken hometown.

In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times Franklin explained, "Right now, all of my races are dedicated back home to Colorado," adding, "No matter how well I do, I'm going to give my best in every single race, and every single race, I'm going to have that Colorado incident on my mind."

As previously reported, Aurora was the setting for a horrific tragedy where James Holmes, who was charged with 24 counts of murder, entered a midnight screening of "The Dark Knight Rises” killing 12 people and injuring 28.

Aside from bringing home top honors today, Missy and her relay team were already proud holders of a bronze medal.