Paralympic Swimmer Lawrence Sapp Stays True To Himself

At the top of Lawrence Sapp’s personal website, there are links to his career highlights, press clippings and philanthropic endeavors. 

Each click offers a window into Sapp’s unique story. 

Yet, perhaps the clearest glimpse into who Sapp is — beyond the medals and the milestones — comes from the quote at the very top of his page. 

“I am great at being me.” 

Indeed, Sapp continues to excel at being just that — himself. The 24-year-old is decorated as an athlete. He is a two-time Paralympian, a two-time medalist at the Para swimming world championships and a proud member of Team USA swimming since 2017. 

But Sapp’s identity extends far beyond the pool. He is also a student, a humanitarian, an advocate and an ambassador for the sport he loves.  

Sapp is also autistic — a part of his story that he talks about with a clear sense of pride.  

“It doesn’t matter what your disability looks like,” said Sapp, a native of Waldorf, Maryland. “It matters what your mind and your heart look like.” 

Most of the time, Sapp’s mind and heart are focused on helping others. He volunteers at Accessibility Bridge Center and considers himself an “agent of change” in the disability movement, an advocate focused on dispelling negative perceptions about people with autism and intellectual disabilities. 

“It’s important to me to help people,” he said, downplaying much of the impressive work he’s done. 

Meanwhile, Sapp is also all business when he’s in the pool. 

“I just try to focus on my races to get my mind and my head together,” said Sapp, who specializes in 100-meter butterfly but also has enjoyed success with backstroke and other events. 

That focus isn’t limited to competition. It shapes how he approaches every part of his life. 

Sapp prides himself on following rules, adhering to his routine and doing whatever it takes to be successful in the pool, in the classroom and in life. 

“I try to keep my emotions to myself and stay focused,” said Sapp, a student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis who is on track to graduate in 2026. “Being an adult means staying out of trouble and (making good choices) outside the pool. I don’t want anything to take away from my swimming career.” 

Thus, it makes sense that Sapp is as sturdy as they come from a character standpoint. Despite competing at the highest level of athletics, he always makes sure to stay in his lane. 

“When I stay positive, I swim really well,” Sapp said. “So I just try to focus on being a good person. Good sportsmanship with the other countries or my teammates from the U.S. I just try to have fun and say after the race, ‘Good job. Fun race.’ Then it’s take some pictures and, ‘See you soon!’” 

That mindset shows up in the work he puts in, too. On top of his studies, Sapp typically swims six days a week for three or four hours per day. 

“This hasn’t been the best year for me, but I feel good,” he said, candidly. “My hard work is paying off. I’ve dropped my times — and I’m happy about that.” 

Sapp made his Paralympic debut at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games in 2021, then came back three years later for the 2024 Paris Games. His best finish so far has been fifth in the 100-meter butterfly S14 in Tokyo. 

That quest to reach the podium motivates Sapp as he works toward the next Paralympic Games, which will take place in 2028 in Los Angeles, though he’s careful not to get too caught up in what could come nearly three years from now. 

“I love representing my country,” Sapp said. “I have amazing support from my family, friends and coaches and teammates. They have our backs. … I want to show the world how it’s done. (I realize that I am representing) not just my country, but my family and my friends. I want to make them proud.” 

Sapp knows that medals come and go, but character endures. No matter what happens in Los Angeles, he’ll continue living by the example he’s already set — one built on determination, humility and authenticity. 

It all circles back to the words he lives by: “I am great at being me.”

Drew Silverman is a freelance contributor to USParaSwimming.org on behalf of Red Line Editorial, Inc.