A 21-year-old US swimmer cried tears of joy after winning his first gold medal

Getty Images/Clive Rose

Gold medalists Nathan Adrian, Ryan Held, Michael Phelps and Caeleb Dressell.

After Michael Phelps and his teammates won the gold medal in the 4x100 freestyle relay last night, 21-year-old swimmer Ryan Held was overcome with emotion - and the photos of his reaction are intensely moving.

The first-place finish was especially significant because France has won the gold in this event for the past two Olympic games. It was also Held's first-ever international race.

"I've heard the national anthem plenty of times before, and I've received awards before, but this was different," he told TODAY. "The emotions kind of manifested themself [sic] on the podium and the tears just started rolling."

Here are a few more images from the touching medal ceremony:

Getty Images/Clive Rose

Getty Images/Julian Finney

Getty Images/Al Bello