American swimmer, Ali Truwit, took silver in the women’s s10 400- meter freestyle after a traumatic shark attack just 16 months prior to the Paralympics. Truwit set a new U.S record in the women’s s10 400 meter freestyle with a time of 4:31.39 on September 5th.

Ali was attacked by a shark, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, just off of Turks and Caicos. According to CNN, “ After fighting off the animal, she swam 70 meters to a boat before being airlifted to hospital.” (Barton, September 6th). The article continues to talk about her new phobia, that was caused from the attack.

The American swimmer could not have made it to the Paralympics without her friends who were in the Arena at the Paralympics, Sophie, and Hannah.

“Sophie, who was in the water with me and tied the tourniquet on my leg and saved my life, is in the stands, as well as Hannah, who was the one who was in medical school rotation at the trauma hospital I was airlifted to.” Truwit said after the race ( Barton, September 6th).

After the attack, she got in touch with her old coach James Barone, even though she had a fear of the water following the attack. After staying in contact with Barone, she entered in her first para swim meet less than half a year after the encounter.

Pulse Sports states, “Her story, shared openly and inspiringly, continues to encourage others facing their own battles, reaffirming that resilience and passion can turn tragedy into triumph” ( Munene, August 9th).