Meet visually impaired Anastasia Pagonis, Paralympic Swimmer for Team U.S.A

As soon as Anastasia Pagonis jumps into any body of water she knows, she is in her element.
"When I jump into the water, that’s my happy place, "said Pagonis. "That’s when I feel free. When I’m out of the water, I always have to rely on someone."
At the age of 11, Pagonis was having trouble reading and keeping her eyes on the ball when she would play soccer.
Her parents took her to a retina specialist, where she was diagnosed with Stargardt's disease, a genetic disorder that causes macular degeneration.
When she was 14, her vision took a turn for the worst and left her visually impaired and in a dark place when it came to her mental health.
A few years back, when she could not play soccer safely anymore, her doctor recommended a less-contact sport, swimming.
She took a period off swimming when she fully lost her vision, but with the support from her family, doctors, and inner strength she jumped right back in where she left off.
"I just fell in love with it, I was like oh okay, this is for me," said Pagonis now 17, gearing up for the Paralympics in Tokyo for Team U.S.A Swimming.
"I’m excited for the experience. Being my first games, I’m just excited to be in that environment and hopefully get the gold."
Pagonis is grateful towards her coach, Marc Danin, Head Coach and Owner of Islanders Aquatics.
"From the beginning, I was like, wow this kid is going to be an Olympian," said Danin who has been coaching Pagonis since 2019.
"She makes me laugh believe it or not. I come off moody, but she makes me laugh. She’s a really good kid."
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[@chezlafem]

Anastasia is so strong and beautiful. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

[@sideboob6851]

Anastasia Pagonis -- Greek goddess of strength, beauty and determination.

[@kennydefranco4150]

You're beautiful hun. And amazing doing what you do