Growing up in Miami, Ashleigh Johnson and her four siblings were enrolled in swimming lessons primarily to alleviate their mother's fears about potential drownings in the family pool while she was at work. These lessons sparked a passion for swimming, leading them to join the local Riptides swim team at Cutler Ridge. This path eventually introduced them to water polo, a sport that is relatively uncommon among Black youths.

Under the tutelage of their instructor, Carroll Vaughan, Johnson’s sister and three brothers thrived. However, it was Ashleigh Johnson who truly stood out, utilizing her agility, quick reflexes, and understanding of angles to become an All-American goalkeeper at Princeton University. During her tenure at Princeton, she amassed 100 victories and became the school’s all-time leader in saves.

In 2016, Ashleigh Johnson made history by becoming the first Black athlete to join the U.S. Olympic water polo team, where she earned a gold medal in Rio. She continued her success with another gold medal at the Tokyo Games four years later. At 29, Johnson is widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world in her sport.

While Johnson is determined to secure a third gold medal at the Paris Olympics, she is equally committed to making a significant impact on young people, especially those from underserved communities. “The longer that you play a sport, the less it becomes about you,” Johnson remarked. “As a Black woman of Caribbean descent in this sport, I feel a special obligation to be a light for little Black and brown girls — and boys — who may be interested in swimming and water polo. That’s really special and is a priority for me.”

Her younger sister, Chelsea Johnson, also played water polo at Princeton. Vaughan noted that both Ashleigh and Chelsea often returned home to conduct clinics for local children, sharing their passion and skills with the next generation.

Meeting and engaging with young people remains one of Ashleigh Johnson’s favorite aspects of competing. “It’s so cool to see how inspiring the sport can be,” she said. “These kids sometimes share their experiences, their struggles, and I can often relate to what they’ve been through and provide them with words of encouragement.”

Johnson’s mother, Donna Johnson, takes immense pride in her daughter’s achievements. A Jamaican immigrant and single mother, Donna worked as a home health care nurse and made sure her children learned to swim for safety reasons. Her efforts inadvertently set the stage for their water polo success. “I am very happy that playing the sport has helped her grow into someone who loves to inspire kids,” Donna said.

The journey was not without its challenges. Competing outside of their Miami area, the Johnson siblings often found themselves as the only Black athletes on their teams. Ashleigh faced additional obstacles when she joined the national team, feeling isolated and sometimes wanting to quit. However, she persevered, breaking down barriers and earning her place as a top athlete.

“At the very base of it, I really wanted to play water polo and I had a lot of fun and was really passionate about the sport,” Johnson said. Despite the isolation, she found strength in the foundation her mother built in her and her siblings. “She instilled in us that we are worthy and beautiful and belong. So as much as there were times when I felt isolated, I actually felt more powerful being there.”

Reflecting on her role as a trailblazer, Johnson said, “I realized that being different didn’t make me stand out in a bad way. You come to understand you have the power to change that and to make it a welcoming space for other Black or brown people who may come after you.”

Johnson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, is contemplating her future beyond water polo. While she remains focused on the upcoming Games, she is excited about exploring other aspects of her identity. “I’ve dedicated a lot of time to this sport and now I want to explore other parts of myself,” she said. She is considering culinary school, potentially moving to another country, and eventually starting a family. “I want to give myself the space to just explore,” she added.

Ashleigh Johnson's journey from swimming lessons to Olympic gold serves as an inspiring narrative of overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers. Her dedication to empowering the next generation underscores the profound impact of sports on individuals and communities alike, highlighting her role as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young athletes everywhere.