Roundup: Newly Named National Team Preps For World Series Schedule
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by Ethan Olson
Hannah Aspden swims backstroke at the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. (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!
Swimmers React To 2023 National Team Announcement
The 2023 U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Team roster was announced earlier this month, with 39 athletes making the cut. The group is highlighted by a number of Paralympians and features several athletes who found major success at last year’s world championships in Madeira, Portugal.
When four-time Paralympic medalist Hannah Aspden got the news, she took to Instagram to reflect on when she was named to her first national team when she was just 13.
“I still remember the night this photo was taken and how it felt to be named to my very first National Team - the moment my dreams started to feel real!” Aspden, who is now 22, wrote on Instagram. “I was 13 years old and just beginning this life-changing journey. I had so much to learn, so many people to meet, so many memories to make. Years later and it still brings such incredible joy and gratitude to see my name on the list for the 10th time.
No matter how far this journey takes us, may we always remember those ‘first’ moments and approach every new opportunity with the same excitement as the last.”
Aspden wasn’t alone in reacting to the announcement.
“11th year on the national team. Blessed as always,” three-time Paralympian Colleen Young wrote on Instagram. “Glad I swam a 200 fly for no reason the other week, been told it builds character!!!!”
Alongside the experienced Paralympians, there are a number of up-and-coming swimmers early in their careers on the national team.
Among them is Yaseen El Demerdash, a 19-year-old from Overland Park, Kansas. Back in February of 2022, he broke the American record in the 50-yard butterfly S10. He went on to break that record again — as well as another American record he held in 50-meter breaststroke S9 — a month later.
The world series season kicks off in April with the 2023 World Para Swimming World Series in Indianapolis. The event will run April 20-22.
To learn more about the rest of the 2023 national team, click here.
Jamal Hill Talks Earnings
Paralympian Jamal Hill recently posted a clip from his appearance on the Telli Talks podcast about how much Olympians and Paralympians make from medaling in major events.
“Most people want to be professional athletes because they want the lifestyle that comes with it,” Hill wrote on Instagram. “The freedom, the respect, and the financial opulence. Playing their favorite game is an added bonus!
“But for a certain class of professional athletes, the large majority of the 1% at best will earn an annual minimum wage salary when it’s all broken down.”
Hill says that he’s trying to highlight that both able-bodied and Para athletes make near minimum wage even as medalists. Talking about this is part of the journey for Hill in trying to create more visibility for Para sports.
Sophia (Herzog) Gibb Announces Retirement
Back in December of 2022, two-time Paralympian Sophia Gibb announced her retirement from Para swimming.
Gibb, who went by Sophia Herzog before her marriage in 2022, made her Paralympic debut at the Rio Games in 2016, where she won silver in the 100-meter backstroke. After her trip to the Tokyo Games in 2021 and one last world championships in 2022, Gibb was ready to move on to the other passions in her life.
She reflected on her career in this story from USParaSwimming.org, and also in an Instagram post in December.
“All good things must come to an end! With a 10 year career, today I officially announce my retirement from professional swimming,” Gibb wrote on Instagram. “From club swimming as an age grouper to representing my country at the highest athletic stage twice, it was truly an honor. I hang up my cap & goggles proud of what I accomplished in the sport of swimming as not only a female but as a dwarf.”
After accruing two Paralympic medals and seven world championships medals, Gibb is now focusing on her other passions in life, which include skiing and her husband, Nick Gibb, who she married last August.
Swimming On Program For LA 2028
The International Paralympic Committee Governing Board recently announced its initial sport program for the Paralympic Games Los Angeles 2028, with Para swimming on the list, of course.
A record 33 Para sports submitted applications to the IPC for inclusion in the LA Games, with 22 being named on the initial program.
“The sports we have included in the LA28 Paralympic Games provide a competitive and
attractive sport program that will showcase the diversity of the Paralympic Movement,” IPC
President Andrew Parsons said.
The initial list of sports could yet see some additions later in 2023. The IPC granted LA28 the chance to include Para climbing and Para surfing, which would a first for the two sports. A final decision on the inclusion of these sports will come at the end of the year.
You can see the full list of the 22 sports here.
Ethan Olson #
Ethan Olson is a sportswriter and editor based in Minneapolis. He is a freelance contributor to USParaSwimming.org courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.
