Just A Year After Competing in Her First Para Swim Meet, Olivia Chambers Is A Medal Contender at Para Swimming World Championships
Para swimming newcomer Olivia Chambers is the top-ranked 400-meter freestyler in the world in the S13 class.
Ralf Kuckuck/USOPC
Athlete Bio
Ralf Kuckuck/USOPC
Height
5'5"
Birthday
Apr 11, 2003
Hometown
Little Rock, AR
Education
University of Northern Iowa
classification: S13/SB13/SM13
Personal
- Daughter of Alison and Brad Chambers
- Started swimming at age four and broke her first state record at age seven (Age 8 & Under 500-yard freestyle).
- Began losing her eyesight at age 16 and was diagnosed with multiple mitochondrial gene deletion syndrome. She also suffers from nystagmus, a condition in which her eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements.
- Ranked No. 1 in the world in the 400-meter freestyle S13 going into the 2023 Para Swimming World Championships
Currently majoring in biology while competing at the University of Northern Iowa
Career Highlights
- In July 2022, broke a 10-year-old American record in the 400-meter IM S13 (5:21.68)
- Two-time gold medalist at the 2022 U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Championships (400-meter freestyle and 200-meter IM)
- Named "Swimmer of the Meet" at the 2022 U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Championships
World Championship Experience
- Most recent: 2023 – silver (200-meter individual medley, 400-meter freestyle); bronze (50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, 100-meter breaststroke, 100-meter butterfly)
- Years of Participation: 2023
- Medals: 6 (2 silver, 4 bronze)
- Silver – 2023 (200-meter individual medley, 400-meter freestyle)
- Bronze – 2023 (50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, 100-meter breaststroke, 100-meter butterfly)
After losing my sight, I never imagined it would lead me to achieving my lifelong dream of representing the United States. It is crazy to think this summer I will actually be achieving that goal.
RELATED NEWS
I Hope My Story Can Inspire Someone The Way Other Paralympians Have Inspired Me
I was eight years old when I heard of the Paralympics for the first time. I was competing at a swim meet when a few officials came over after my race to ask me if I participated in adaptive sports. I had no idea what the Paralympics were. So, I went ho...
Christie Raleigh Crossley’s Long Journey To The Olympics Could Instead Lead To The Paralympics
A former able-bodied swimming star, Raleigh Crossley is set to compete in this week’s Para swimming world championships.
What To Watch For At The Para Swimming World Championships In Manchester
Veterans Jessica Long and Leanne Smith lead a balanced U.S. team.
Just A Year After Competing in Her First Para Swim Meet, Olivia Chambers Is A Medal Contender at Para Swimming World Championships
Para swimming newcomer Olivia Chambers is the top-ranked 400-meter freestyler in the world in the S13 class.