LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Ashleigh Johnson propelled her torso through the water’s surface, lunged to her left and right and flashed her lightning-quick reflexes during a recent practice that have helped distinguish her as one of the world’s best water polo goalkeepers.
Change can be seen and heard only outside of the pool as Johnson, 26, prepares for the Tokyo Games.
“I've definitely had a lot of conversations — and really, really difficult conversations — especially with people in my sport,’’ she told USA TODAY Sports. “Being a part of a predominantly white sport means that the majority doesn't understand your experience.