UNI’s Star Swimmer Makes History at the Paralympics

The 2024 Paralympics wrapped up in Paris on Sunday, September 8th.

Although America didn't take first place in total medal count, Team USA still delivered an impressive performance.

China came in first with 220 medals, Great Britain placed second with 124, and the United States followed closely behind in third place with 105 medals.

Three of those medals were won by a student at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

Who Is Olivia Chambers?

The 21-year-old is a Little Rock, Arkansas native and a rising senior at UNI.

Chambers is legally blind due to multiple mitochondrial gene deletion syndrome. She was sixteen when she started to lose her eyesight, according to reports. Also, she has a condition called nystagmus, this causes her eyes to make repetitive, uncontrolled movements.

The Olympian's mother signed her up for swimming lessons when she was three years old, and just a year later she was swimming competitively.

She was named Arkansas Outstanding Distance Swimmer of the Year when she was in high school and went on to swim for the University of Northern Iowa.

Currently, Olivia is majoring in biology at UNI.

In 2022, Chambers actually set a S13-class Para American record in the 400 IM. She had a time of 5:21.68 which was only TWO seconds shorter than the previous record which was set by Paralympic champion Rebecca Meyers in 2012.

Now, she's making waves in the Paralympic games this year. She won a gold medal in the women's 400 freestyle on Saturday, August 31st.

Just a few days later, the UNI athlete placed second in the women's 200m IM. Chambers touched the wall with a time of 2:25.90, according to reports.

Chambers competed in several more events after winning these two medals.

On Thursday, September 5th the swimmer from UNI won yet another medal.

She finished second in the women's 100m breaststroke with a time of 1:17.70, earning her second Paralympic silver medal, according to reports.

Congratulations Olivia on representing Team USA and bringing home the hardware!

Stay up to date with everything going on in Eastern Iowa by downloading the free station app from your app store. Also, do not forget to follow the station across all social media platforms for the latest entertainment and sports updates.