USA nominate 34 swimmers on Tokyo 2020 roster

Twenty-three-time medallist Jessica Long leads the team which includes 11 first-time hopefuls and 13 experienced Paralympians 21 Jun 2021
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A woman putting her head out of the water during a swimming competition
Three-time Paralympic champion Rebecca Meyers during the 2021 US Paralympic Swimming Tokyo 2020 Trials in Minneapolis
ⒸStacy Revere/Getty Images
By US Paralympics Swimming

US Paralympics Swimming has announced the 10 men and 24 women who will represent Team USA at the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. 

An even-keeled mix of fresh faces and returning Paralympians, the roster includes 11 first-time hopefuls and 13 experienced Paralympians who will head to Tokyo as USA’s quest for domination in the pool continues.
 
Athletes were selected based on performances from the weekend’s US Paralympic Team Trials in Minneapolis in addition to results from the recent World Para Swimming World Series in Lewisville. 

The tenacious roster includes an array of depth across multiple classification groups as Team USA seeks to take one of the top spots in the medals table.
 
Leading the men’s side is newcomer and number one ranked breaststroker David Abrahams along with four-time Paralympian Rudy Garcia-Tolson who each dazzled with stellar trials performances. 

Two-time Paralympian Evan Austin and one-time Paralympian Robert Griswold bring a breadth of experience with 2019 World Championships wins as each looks to add Paralympic glory to their list of accolades. 

The remaining men’s team includes six strong first-time contenders Parker Egbert, Jamal Hill, Joey Peppersack, Lawrence Sapp, Zachary Shattuck and Matthew Torres.
 
The robust women’s team is led by 23-time Paralympic medallist Jessica Long, alongside Paralympic champions McKenzie Coan, Elizabeth Marks, Rebecca Meyers and Mallory Weggemann. 

Long, who competed in the Paralympics for the first time at Athens 2004 at the age of 12, will be making her fifth trip to the Games. 

“I’m a veteran so I know when to perform under pressure in a very, very big Paralympic environment and that’s what I’m really looking forward to. This job was to make the team and swim fast, and I feel like I did that. I did what I needed to. But in Tokyo is where I shine under pressure,” Long said, at the conclusion of the trials on Saturday (19 June).

Double bronze medallist Hannah Aspden, Paralympian McLain Hermes, silver medallist Sophia Herzog, Paralympian Martha Ruether, Paralympian Natalie Sims, two-time medallist Lizzi Smith and bronze medallist Colleen Young

A force to be reckoned with, rising stars Julia Gaffney, Anastasia Pagonis, Gia Pergolini and Morgan Stickney all punched their tickets after impressive showings at trials.

 
Men’s names
David Abrahams
Evan Austin
Parker Egbert
Rudy Garcia-Tolson
Robert Griswold
Jamal Hill
Joey Peppersack
Lawrence Sapp
Zachary Shattuck
Matthew Torres

Women’s names
Hannah Aspden
McKenzie Coan
Cailin Currie
Julia Gaffney
McClain Hermes
Sophia Herzog
Mikaela Jenkins
Keegan Knott
Ahalya Lettenberger
Jessica Long
Elizabeth Marks
Rebecca Meyers
Makayla Nietzel
Anastasia Pagonis
Gia Pergolini
Martha Ruether
Summer Schmit
Haven Shepherd
Natalie Sims
Leanne Smith
Elizabeth Smith
Morgan Stickney
Mallory Weggemann
Colleen Young