Anastasia
 Pagonis 



Blind Ambition

At the age of 11, I was having trouble reading and keeping my eyes on the ball when I would play soccer. 

My parents took me to a retina specialist, where I was diagnosed with Autoimmune Retinopathy, a rare disease in which the patient's immune system attacks proteins in the retina, leading to loss of eyesight. 

When I was 14, my vision took a turn for the worst and left me visually impaired and in a dark place when it came to my mental health. 

A few years back, when I could not play soccer safely anymore, my doctor recommended a less-contact sport, swimming. 

I took a period off swimming when I fully lost my vision, but with the support from my family, doctors, and inner strength I jumped right back in where I left off. 


I just fell in love with it, I was like oh okay, this is for me and at the age of 17, began gearing up for the Paralympics in Tokyo for Team U.S.A Swimming. 

I was excited for the experience. Being my first games, I was just excited to be in that environment and hopefully get the gold. 

Finding a coach who would take me and my disability on in such an ambitious endeavor wasn’t easy. 

Finally, Marc Danin, Head Coach and Owner of Islanders Aquatics. agreed to take me on and I am forever grateful for his help and incredible training. 

Despite these hardships, I found my passion and strength in swimming. I started swimming at the age of eight and joined a local club for people with disabilities. I soon discovered that I had a natural talent and a competitive spirit for the sport. 

I trained hard and participated in many national and international competitions, winning medals and breaking records. 

In 2020, I qualified for the Tokyo Paralympics, fulfilling my dream of representing her country on the world stage. I competed in four events and won a bronze medal in the 100m freestyle S6 category, setting a new personal best time. 

Swimming has given me confidence, joy and freedom. I hope to inspire other people with disabilities to pursue their goals and dreams and am an advocate for accessibility and inclusion in sports and society. 

When I jump into the water, that’s my happy place. That’s when I feel free. When I’m out of the water, I always must rely on someone or my Guide Dog.

I am proud of who I am and what I have achieved and will never give up on my ambitions.


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