Media & Culture

Para swimmer leads by example

Shawn Maloney

23 Jan 2026 — 1 min read

Ali Thuwit is stronger than you think.

American Paralympian Ali Thuwit announced a $400,000 gift to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation to support the next generation of para swimmers. The commitment comes in partnership with Thuwit’s foundation, Stronger Than You Think, and will provide incentive pay to U.S. para swimmers who finish on the podium or break world records at key international events.

Thuwit hopes the performance fund can serve as a model for other sports looking to help aspiring athletes offset the considerable costs of training, competing, and recovering on the world stage. A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee found that 57% of Team USA athletes earn less than $50,000 per year.

It has been an unbelievable few years for Thuwit. She survived a shark attack just days after graduating from college in 2023, which resulted in the amputation of her left foot and lower leg. A former Division 1 swimmer at Yale, Thuwit competed in her first Paralympic trials just one year later and set a new personal best in the 100-meter backstroke by swimming nearly a half-second faster than her previous top mark as an able-bodied competitor.

Thuwit went on to set two American records and earn two silver medals in the S10 classification at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games — all less than 18 months after losing her leg.

Learn more

Paying it Forward: Ali Thuwit Champions Team USA Paralympic Swimming

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