17 Across

NYT Daily ? September 17, 2025

Olympian Strug

Answer:

KERRI

Hint:

This American gymnast won gold in the 1996 Olympics despite performing with an injured ankle, becoming a symbol of determination. Her first name is shared with a popular Irish given name.

Explanation:

"Olympian" hints at an athlete who competed in the Olympics, and "Strug" is the last name of Kerri Strug, the American gymnast famous for her vault on an injured ankle in the 1996 Atlanta Games. The clue plays on her well-known moment that helped secure the gold medal for the U.S. team. It’s a straightforward reference to her name, with "Olympian" acting as the definition and "Strug" as the direct surname.

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General solving tip

Quoted clues often indicate a spoken phrase, interjection, or a title. Think of something you'd say out loud or see as a headline.

More tips → General Hints