Gia Pergolini Secures Gold at Paralympics: A Glimpse of Future Glory

Gia Pergolini, a 20-year-old American Paralympic swimmer, claimed Team USA's first gold medal at the Paris La Défense Arena in the women's 100m backstroke finals. Reflecting on her journey since the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Pergolini emphasized her growth and the unique energy of competing in Paris. She's already contemplating the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

Gia Pergolini walked into Paris La Défense Arena on Friday with a mission: to defend her title in the women's 100m backstroke finals.

The 20-year-old American had set a world record in the S13 classification for athletes with less-severe visual impairments at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and felt the weight of expectations. 'I was just being a goofball in Tokyo, and then here, I'm like, okay, I have a title to defend,' Pergolini said.

Now a student at Florida International University, Pergolini won Team USA's first gold medal of the Paralympics, clocking in at 1 minute, 4.93 seconds, just 0.3 seconds shy of her own world record. 'It's so unreal, I can't really explain it into words,' she remarked after the race.

Despite her growth and experience over the past three years, Pergolini admits nerves were still in play. 'I just kept saying to myself, worrying won't change the result of the race,' she reflected. The energy of the Paris crowd was electrifying for Pergolini, a stark contrast to her experience in Tokyo. 'I think I blacked out at one moment, but I remember getting in the water and hearing my mom,' she recalled.

Pergolini is already looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, inspired by the support she witnessed from French fans. 'I really want to experience that at L.A. at my home games,' she said.

(With inputs from agencies.)