Canada breaks medal drought with bronze in 4x100m freestyle relay

Canada's female swimmers broke a 20-year medal drought Saturday, capturing the bronze medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay.

A Canadian woman hadn't won a medal in swimming at the Olympics since the Atlanta Games in 1996, a streak that was broken by the four-person team in a time of 3:32.89. The accomplishment marks the first time since 1976 that the Canadian women have won a medal in the event.

The race speaks volumes to the future of the Canadian swim program, as the team was anchored by 16-year-old Penny Oleksiak. The event was won by the Australians in world record time, followed closely by the Americans, who took home the silver.

The medal is also the first of Rio 2016 for the Canadian contingent, and marks the second time since 1988 that Canada won a medal on the first day of the Summer Olympics.