Paralympian Ali Truwit is channeling her comeback from a shark attack into a movement aimed at supporting future Team USA Para swimmers. Through her Stronger Than You Think foundation and a $500,000 performance incentive fund, Truwit is working to build resources for athletes on the road to the LA28 Olympics.
In May 2023, while snorkeling in Turks and Caicos with former Yale swimming teammate Sophie Pilkinton, Truwit lost her foot and part of her leg after a shark attack. She qualified for the U.S. Paralympic team less than a year later and won silver medals in the 100-meter backstroke and 400-meter freestyle at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Truwit emphasizes the importance of support systems in overcoming hardship. “The support we have around us is a massive, massive game changer in the way that we face life's hardships,” she stated in an August 27, 2026 interview. She credits her success as “without a doubt a reflection of the people I had around me,” including family, friends, teammates, and a coach who came out of retirement to help her.
The experiences following her attack led to the creation of Stronger Than You Think. Truwit discovered barriers within the Paralympic and amputee communities that she aims to address. “I wanted to make a change in those communities to the extent that I could,” she said. The foundation is coupled with a $500,000 performance incentive fund for U.S. Para swimmers, designed to support the next generation of athletes as they prepare for the LA28 games. Truwit was preparing for three races – the 100-meter freestyle, 400 freestyle and 100 backstroke – when she spoke with the interviewer.
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