Despite Near-Fatal Shark Attack, Star Swimmer Continues to Thrive in the Water

In a transformative year for U.S. Paralympic swimmer Ali Truwit, her life took a dramatic turn after she graduated from Yale University and embarked on a celebratory vacation in Turks and Caicos with her friend, Sophie Pilkinton. What began as a joyful escape swiftly morphed into a fight for survival.

Truwit recounted a terrifying encounter when a shark launched a brutal attack, aggressively bumping and ramming them from below. Despite their attempts to fend off the predator, it seized Truwit’s leg, eventually severing her foot and part of her leg. In a desperate bid for survival, Truwit and Pilkinton swam 75 yards back to their boat through open ocean, their cries for help unheard.

Once safely aboard, Pilkinton managed to stop Truwit’s bleeding with a tourniquet, a critical intervention that saved her life. Truwit was airlifted to a Miami hospital, where she endured multiple life-saving surgeries before her leg was amputated.

Despite the trauma, Truwit was resolute in her return to swimming. She faced the challenge of adjusting to her new reality with determination and sought solace in her supportive network. Initially reluctant to display her prosthetic leg, Truwit’s confidence was bolstered by encouragement from family, fellow Paralympians, and friends like five-time Olympic medalist Kate Douglass. Even her former coach, Jamie Barone, came out of retirement to aid her recovery, lauding her relentless work ethic.

Truwit’s perseverance led to outstanding performances, including qualifying for the Paralympic swimming trials with a time of 1:08.98. Heading to Paris for the Paralympic Games, she will compete in the 100-meter and 400-meter freestyle and the 100-meter backstroke. Reflecting on her journey, Truwit emphasized that while her ordeal was unique, the universal ability to overcome adversity is shared by all.