From Shark Attack Survivor to Paralympian: Athlete Raises Hope with Swim-A-Thon
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On May 24, 2023, just days after she graduated from Yale, 23-year-old Alexandra “Ali” Truwit was snorkeling with a former swimming teammate in Turks and Caicos. What was supposed to be a perfect day turned tragic when a shark attacked her, inflicting severe injuries to her left leg.
As blood filled the clear waters, Ali’s athletic instincts kicked in; she swam approximately 75 yards back to her boat, where her friend promptly applied a tourniquet to stem the bleeding. Ali was then rushed to the hospital and subsequently airlifted to the U.S., where, a week later, her left leg was amputated below the knee.
A Remarkable Recovery
What followed was a journey of extraordinary resilience. Just three months after the shark attack, Ali bravely returned to swimming, initially using flotation aids before gradually swimming laps unaided.
But the process wasn’t easy. Ali had to overcome not only physical challenges but also post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the attack. Ali worked hard to conquer her fears and rebuild her confidence. Among the most effective techniques were those designed to calm her nervous system, like breathwork and mantras.
By June 2024, Ali had qualified for the U.S. Paralympic team in the S10 classification, which recognizes minimal physical impairment. At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, she achieved remarkable success, winning two medals in the 400m freestyle and 100m backstroke, with times faster than those she had recorded before losing her leg.
Turning Trauma into Hope
Despite losing a part of herself, Ali discovered a renewed sense of purpose. The month of May brings up a wave of difficult emotions for Ali, so she chose to help others. This year, two years after the shark attack, she organized the first-ever Swim-a-Thon fundraiser for her nonprofit, Stronger Than You Think, at Chelsea Piers in Connecticut.
The goal of the event is to raise funds to help other individuals with limb loss cover the costs of prosthetic limbs, which can reach around $160,000, along with necessary recovery care. The fundraising strategy encouraged donations based on the number of laps swum.
In an interview with the New York Post, Ali reflected on her experience, saying that trauma and hardship can be transformed into hope. She emphasized that individuals have the capacity to overcome challenges they once thought were insurmountable and often surprise themselves in the process.
Impact that Ripples On
Stronger Than You Think has already helped four individuals living with limb loss, including a seven-year-old girl and a young woman who lost all four limbs due to sepsis. Earlier this year, Ali also visited Stewie the Duck Swim School in Norwalk, donating $5,000 to provide low-cost swim lessons and speaking to children about water safety.
Furthermore, on her 25th birthday, she walked the Sports Illustrated Swim runway during Miami Swim Week—fully embracing her identity and championing representation for people with disabilities.
Loss Doesn’t Define You
In an interview with People after last year’s Paralympic win, Ali shared that she endured “grief, setbacks, and insecurities,” as well as tough days filled with tears. Still, she chooses to get back up each time, celebrating every small milestone. Her favorite mantra? “I can and I will”—a declaration she uses to quiet her racing thoughts and power through tough moments.
Ali’s journey sends a powerful message: recovery isn’t a straight line. Ups and downs are expected, but limb loss doesn’t define the rest of her life. Through determination and community, it’s possible not just to recover but to thrive, uplift, and inspire others along the way.
Related Reading:
After Losing Her Leg to a Shark, a 73-Year-Old Scuba Diver Bravely Returns to the Water
7-Year-Old with Double Leg Loss Overcomes Swimming Fear
Man With Double Leg Amputation Emphasizes Importance of Support Groups
