The Paralympic Games are set to begin in Paris on Wednesday, showcasing the extraordinary talents of more than 4,400 athletes from 165 countries across 22 sports and 549 medal events. Among those competing are several standout athletes from New York and New Jersey, including freestyle swimmer Anastasia Pagonis from Long Island, who is looking to build on her gold-medal success at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Pagonis, who made headlines in Tokyo with her world-record-breaking performance in the women’s 400-meter freestyle S11 event, has overcome significant challenges. Diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic disorder causing retinal degeneration, and autoimmune retinopathy, Pagonis began losing her vision at age 11. By the time she turned 14, she had lost much of her remaining sight, which led to a difficult transition in her athletic journey. Initially a soccer player, she turned to swimming upon her doctor’s recommendation to take up a non-contact sport. However, the loss of her sight made even this challenging.
Despite the hurdles, Pagonis persevered, with the support of her guide dog Radar, and began making waves in the pool. At just 16, she made her international debut at the 2020 World Para Swimming World Series in Melbourne, winning gold in the 400-meter freestyle and bronze in the 200-meter freestyle. Her Tokyo triumph followed, where she clinched gold and set a new world record with a time of 4:54.49.
Now, Pagonis is eager to compete in Paris, where she aims to add to her Paralympic medal haul. Beyond her swimming career, she has also gained a massive following on social media, particularly on TikTok, where she shares her journey and insights with 2.5 million followers. Embracing technology, she uses accessibility features and AI tools to stay connected with her fans, and her partnership with Xfinity ensures she and her fellow Team USA athletes have reliable internet access during the Games.
As the 2024 Paralympics approach, all eyes will be on athletes like Pagonis, who continue to defy expectations and inspire millions with their resilience and determination. The Games promise to be a celebration of athletic excellence and the unbreakable human spirit.
