Roundup: Celebrating Milestones and Giving Back

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by Karen Price

What’s new in the world of U.S. Para swimming? Find out in this month’s Swimming Roundup! 

 

We scour the web for the latest news and updates from Team USA stars and the wider world of Para swimming. 

 

It’s An Aquathon for All!  

The We Rise Foundation held its second annual Aquathon For All fundraising event earlier this month, and Morgan Ray was one of three Team USA Paralympians on hand for the festivities. 

 

The swim-and-run event took place on April 19 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Open to all ages and abilities, the Aquathon started at the UNF pool and then snaked through the campus on foot before finishing at the school’s track. 

 

Ray, a 2024 Paralympian and native of St. Augustine, Florida, joined Paralympic triathletes Kyle Coons and Emma Meyers at the event. 

 

“I opened the morning as the first participant to go,” Ray said. “After the race, all three of us shared our stories with the athletes and spectators, took pictures and signed autographs.” 

 

The We Rise Foundation provides inclusive opportunities for all swimmers via SwimRise Aquatics, which offers teams and programs that are open to neurodiverse athletes and athletes with disabilities. 

She Said Yes!   

Huge congratulations are also in order for four-time Paralympian McKenzie Coan, who announced her engagement on social media at the end of March! 

 

The four-time gold medalist wrote, “3.28.26 💍🤍 one of the happiest days of our lives!! Micah proposed in the exact spot we met and had our first date, and it couldn’t have been more perfect 🥹. We are so happy and excited to spend our lives together!! 🤍” 

 

She also posted lots of adorable pics of the big moment and happy aftermath (complete with showing off the ring, of course!) so be sure to check them all out: 

Oh, Baby(ies)! 

Just in time for Mother’s Day! Jessica Long dropped the big news that she and husband Lucas Winters are expecting not one but TWO baby boys this summer! 

 

The six-time Paralympian (and one of the most decorated U.S. athletes of all time, with 31 Paralympic medals) shared some gorgeous shots and wrote on social media, “Oh baby, oooh baby! Baby boys (twins) coming August 2026 🩵💙 We couldn’t love them more.”  

And check out the article in People, which exclusively talked to the expecting couple. 

 

Behind The Scenes at the Training Center  

What’s life like at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, when the athletes of Team USA gather to put in the work (and have a little fun, too)? 

 

Check out Taylor Winnett’s snaps from the spring national team camp with athletes including Noah Jaffe, Morgan Ray, Koehn Boyd and more! 

And here are some from Ray’s collection:

Multi-Sport Athlete Shattuck Shares Soccer Love  

Paralympian Zack Shattuck is also a passionate soccer player, and his involvement in the sport goes well beyond his own time on the field. 

 

He wrote recently, “These past three weekends I’ve had the ability to host multiple soccer clinics for kids and adults with dwarfism, with a simple mission in mind, how do we keep these athletes in the game. Sometimes a space to play is more than access — it’s recognition. It tells a child or adult who has always had to adapt that, for once, the world has adapted to them. And when they step onto that field and see others who move like them, look like them, and understand them, something shifts—they’re no longer the exception. They’re part of something.” 

 

Check out the full post:

Optical Delusions Merch Is Here  

If you haven’t listened to Optical Delusions, the podcast hosted by Paralympians Grace Nuhfer and Olivia Chambers (and often featuring their teammates), what are you waiting for? And if you’re already a big fan, you can now buy some swag to show your support at the new Etsy shop the athletes and hosts announced recently on social media.  

And speaking of teammates … the newest episode features Katie Kubiak.

Supporting Stronger Than You Think  

Ali Truwit’s foundation, Stronger Than You Think, provides support to women and girls with limb loss, funds water safety programs and helps Para athletes with much-needed funding for training, and now it’s your chance to support the cause! 

 

The second annual Swim-A-Thon is coming up in May, on Truwit’s birthday. See her post to learn how to participate as a swimmer or a donor. 

 

Truwit wrote, “Second Annual Stronger Than You Think Swim-a-Thon!!! And this time, it’s with a $100,000 match, brand giveaways, prizes, and sports superstars in attendance for photos & autographs! Register with the link in my bio and join us on Sunday May 31st from 3-5pm at Chelsea Piers in Stamford, CT!!! Every lap counts!” 

Karen Price is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has covered Olympic and Paralympic sports for various publications. She is a freelance contributor to USParaSwimming.org on behalf of Red Line Editorial, Inc.