Swimming Roundup: Around The Country, U.S. Para Swimming Stars Recognized
by Karen Price

Parker Egbert dives into the pool during a race at U.S. Paralympics Team Trials – Swimming. (Photo: Joe Kusumoto)
Every other week we scour the web for the latest going on in the world of U.S. Para swimming. Here’s what you missed!
Greenwood Celebrates Parker Egbert
Parker Egbert made his Paralympic debut this summer, and recently he was celebrated by his hometown of Greenwood, South Carolina. Egbert was honored by the mayor and his school, Emerald High School, during a recent football game. Part of the proclamation reads, “Mr. Egbert is an inspiration to all and is a source of pride especially to all whom are blessed to partake in the love and special journey that is autism.”
Read the full story here.
More Recognition
The recognition continued to roll in for other Paralympic athletes as well. Here’s a roundup of news from the world of Para swimming:
Mikaela Jenkins, Lizzi Smith and Evan Austin
Mikaela Jenkins won a pair of gold medals this summer in Tokyo, and over the weekend the Evansville, Indiana, native was among a number of Olympians and Paralympians, including teammates and fellow Tokyo medalists Lizzi Smith and Evan Austin, honored by Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indianapolis Colts at halftime of their game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Anastasia Pagonis
Anastasia Pagonis broke her own world record and won gold in the 400-meter freestyle S11 this summer, and recently the visually impaired TikTok star got the “Key to the Town” of Hempstead on Long Island from Town Supervisor Don Clavin and the town board. The plaque she received included words in Braille.
Challenged Athletes Foundation Brings Back In-Person Triathlon
This weekend marks the Community Challenge and the 28th annual San Diego Triathlon Challenge, a weekend filled with Paralympic stars, competition, adaptive sports clinics and fundraising events. CAF’s mission is to help people with physical challenges pursue active lifestyles, and one of the many Paralympic veterans who’ll be on hand is swimmer Rudy Garcia-Tolson, who competed in his fifth Paralympics in Tokyo this summer.
ICYMI: Morgan Stickney Appears On Ellen
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and co-host for the day Mila Kunis recently welcomed two-time Paralympic gold medalist Morgan Stickney on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” They discussed Stickney’s 100-meter freestyle victory in Tokyo, her swimming background and amputations, and the celebrities who’ve reached out to her since the Paralympics. Then the hosts revealed a fellow swimming superstar with a special message for Stickney. Watch it here.
Shepherd’s Swimming Break Doesn’t Last Long
Haven Shepherd made her Paralympic debut this year and, as she wrote on Instagram, she planned to take at least a six-month break from the pool after returning home from Tokyo.
It lasted a month. She wrote: “I feel slow and sluggish in the water but It feels amazing to go to bed “swimmer” tired with that faint tinge of chlorine smell!!#homesweethome”
Jessica Long Celebrates Second Anniversary
Five-time Paralympian Jessica Long, who won her 29th medal in Tokyo, marked two years of marriage to hubby Lucas Winters with a post on Instagram, writing, “Happy 2nd anniversary to my sweet husband, Lucas. You are the most intentional, kind-hearted, and loyal human. You make me feel validated and loved and so, so special. Life with you is the best thing! I have cherished all the big and small moments with you since our big day. You truly are a light in this world and I’ve loved being your wife these past 731 days. Can’t wait to see our story unfold!”
Karen Price #
Karen Price is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has covered Olympic and Paralympic sports for various publications. She is a freelance contributor to TeamUSA.org on behalf of Red Line Editorial, Inc.
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