Two-time Paralympic silver medalist and shark attack survivor Ali Truwit has announced a $400,000 gift through her Stronger Than You Think Foundation to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation (USOPF). The gift will establish a performance incentive fund to support Team USA Para swimmers at major international competitions across the three seasons leading into the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
The Stronger Than You Think Performance Incentive Fund will provide financial awards to U.S. Para swimmers who place first through third or set world records at designated competitions, beginning with the 2026 Para Pan Pacific Championships, followed by a to-be-named World Series meet in both the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
Ali Truiwt was inspired to create the fund after learning that 57% of Team USA athletes earn less than $50,000 annually, with many working multiple jobs to sustain their athletic careers. Through this investment, she aims to ease the financial burden faced by elite Para swimmers and help ensure they can focus fully on training, performance, and preparation to represent Team USA on the world stage.
Sharing her reasons for creating the fund, Ali Truwit said “through my efforts to make the Paris Paralympics, I experienced firsthand the large financial demands of being a pro athlete — the costs of training, strength work, recovery, physical therapy, nutrition, and more. Joining the Paralympic movement was one of the most healing things I did for my recovery after the shark attack and amputation. It enabled me to focus on all I have instead of what I’ve lost and all I can still do instead of what I can’t. I want to pay that forward by supporting Team USA Para swimmers with an incentive that helps ready them for the LA ‘28 Paralympics.”
“Ali has transformed her personal journey into a powerful act of leadership for the Paralympic community,” said Christine Walshe, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation President. “By investing in Para swimmers, she is helping ensure athletes can devote their energy to training and competition as they prepare to represent Team USA on the world stage.”
Ali Truwit also hopes the fund will inspire others to invest in Paralympic athletes and expand support across swimming and additional Paralympic disciplines as the road to LA28 continues.
To learn more about the Stronger Than You Think Foundation or to make a contribution, visit strongerthanyouthink.org or follow @strongerthankyouthink on Instagram.
— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with Stronger Than You Think. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.