- A shark viciously severed Ali Truwit's limb.
A US swimmer, Ali Truwit, aims to claim a gold medal at the forthcoming Paris Paralympic Games, despite losing her leg in a shark attack fifteen months prior. "It's surreal to label myself a Paralympian, considering my past only a year ago," stated 24-year-old Truwit from Darien, Connecticut, in an interview with NBC News.
Competing in the 100 and 400-meter freestyle, along with the 100-meter backstroke, Truwit will represent the USA in Paris. She shared her enthusiasm for comeback stories and drew inspiration from others who persevered despite adversity.
"Suddenly, a shark emerged"
Truwit's personal story started on May 24, 2023, in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where her swimming abilities might have saved her life. Accompanied by her friend and ex-team member Sophie Pilkinton, they were snorkeling when "a shark suddenly emerged out of nowhere and began assaulting us," as Truwit narrated to NBC News.
The shark struck from beneath, pushing and ramming them repeatedly. "We fought back and pushed and kicked, but the shark had my leg in its mouth in no time," Truwit described the traumatic event, adding, "And next thing I know, it had bitten off my foot and a portion of my leg."
"At first, I thought I had lost my mind or my foot," stated Truwit, "but you quickly fall into action. In seconds, we decided to swim for our lives." Surrounded by blood and the relentless shark, Truwit and Pilkinton swam with increased determination to reach their boat, managing a distance of 70 meters in a hurry.
Once aboard, Pilkinton tied a temporary tourniquet to stop the excessive bleeding. "Swimming was my initial savior, and my teammate Sophie was the second," Truwit expressed her gratitude.
Overcoming water-related fears
Truwit was flown to a hospital and subsequently underwent surgery three times. Her 23rd birthday marked the amputation of her left leg below the knee. "I faced numerous challenging days," she admitted. "But I'm glad I'm alive even though I nearly wasn't."
As part of her recovery process, Truwit gradually returned to swimming. "I was genuinely scared... The last sound I heard was water, and it brought back memories of our struggle for survival," she recounted to U.S. Paralympics Swimming reporter about her early recovery stage. "I remembered the entire attack, and I constantly battled flashbacks of the attack while simply hearing water. That was something I had to overcome."
Truwit soon began using prosthetics and training for strength, also seeking help to combat her nightmares. "I refuse to let fear control my life," she explained. "I didn't want to lose my affection for water along with my limb."
With the assistance of her former coach, Jamie Barone, Truwit qualified for the Paralympic team, eventually making her way to the national championships in Orlando and competing on an international stage in Portugal in April. "She is undoubtedly the most dedicated person I've ever met," Barone advocated on behalf of his protégé.
Truwit Secures Paralympics Berth
Her dedication paid off when Truwit clinched victory in the 100-meter backstroke, 400-meter freestyle, and 100-meter freestyle events at the Paralympic trials in Minneapolis in late June. Truwit secured her position on the U.S. Paralympics team, joining distinguished swimmer Jessica Long and several other medalists.
"Hearing my name on the team reminded me that I'm stronger than I thought," Truwit stated of her achievement. "That we all share this hidden strength."
The United States Swimming team is proud to have Ali Truwit as a member, hailing from Darien, Connecticut, in the United States of America. Truwit's determination and resilience have earned her a spot in the 100 and 400-meter freestyle events, as well as the 100-meter backstroke, representing the USA at the Paris Paralympic Games.
