Gia Pergolini stepped onto the pool deck at the Paris La Défense Arena on Friday, fully aware of the stakes in the women’s 100m backstroke finals.
The American swimmer, just 20 and currently studying at Florida International University, had made a remarkable mark at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics with a world-record swim in the S13 classification, which is for athletes with less severe visual impairments. As she entered the Paris competition, the pressure to defend her title was palpable.
Reflecting on her Tokyo experience, Pergolini, who had approached her first Paralympics with a playful mindset, noted the shift in her approach. “Back then, I was just enjoying myself, but now, I’m here to uphold my title,” she said. “The energy from the crowd was incredible, and I was really feeling the moment.”
Pergolini’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. She clinched the first gold medal for Team USA at these Paralympics with a time of 1 minute, 4.93 seconds, narrowly missing the world record she set in Tokyo by just 0.3 seconds. “It’s beyond words,” she shared. “Touching the wall and seeing my top competitors finish while knowing I won the first gold for the U.S. was surreal.”
Despite her growth over the past three years, Pergolini admitted that nerves were still a factor. “I kept reminding myself that worrying wouldn’t change the race’s outcome,” she said. “I tried to channel the carefree spirit of my 17-year-old self and focus on having fun.”
As she prepared for her swim, the familiar voice of her mother among the roaring crowd was a comforting presence. “I think I blacked out a bit, but I clearly heard my mom,” Pergolini said. The experience, she noted, contrasted sharply with the quieter Tokyo Games and fueled her aspirations for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics. “Seeing how passionately the French support their athletes has been incredible. I hope to experience that kind of support at my home games,” she added.