Anastasia Pagonis, a 20-year old from Long Island, NY, is set to compete in the 2024 Olympic games in Paris. While this is impressive in itself, what makes it more amazing is that she is blind, and holds a world record for fastest time in women’s 400 meter freestyle S11 event. She took home the gold at the 2020 Paralympics, and is looking to repeat the same feat this year.
Though she lost her vision by the age of 14, thanks to a condition known as autoimmune retinopathy, Pagonis has achieved extraordinary athletic prowess. Her success is due in part to the guidance of her coach, Darryn Solotoff, who is also the managing partner and chief trial counsel at Elovich and Adell. He has helped prepare her for the event, coaching her through the techniques she needs to succeed at the event, where Solotoff says she swims “like a torpedo or needle.”
There are numerous challenges, of course. Because she cannot see the edge of the lane, she needs to use the dividers to guide herself as she swims. In addition, she is reliant on another person standing at the edge of the pool to instruct her when to turn around, given that she cannot see the edge of the pool herself. If the timing is wrong, she risks substantial physical injury, but preparation and training help her to succeed despite these challenges.
Darryn has been an advocate for the disabled community. He has litigated American with Disability Act cases and works hard to give a voice to a community of people that are often overlooked, dismissed or discriminated against.
Anastasia and Darryn have worked hard to dispel myths about the visually impaired community. Anastasia often talks about changing the way the world sees blind people. She competes for the USA not just because she is a great swimmer, but for the bigger purpose of giving hope to other individuals that they too can compete in sports and have a positive impact. Darryn and Anastasia hope to educate the community so that individuals with disabilities receive equal treatment.
You can learn more about Anastasia competing in this event here.
