by NANTERRE, France — American para-swimmer Morgan Stickney dominated the 400-meter freestyle SM7 final, winning by an impressive 17 seconds and setting a Paralympic record of 4:53.88.
The victory is the second gold medal of the Games for the two-time Paralympian from Cary, N.C., who said she felt comfortable the moment she walked into La Défense Arena on Monday.
“I didn’t really feel any pressure tonight,” Stickney said. “I knew I could handle it.”
After running in front of an empty arena in Tokyo, Stickney felt the comfort of her family cheering her on as she competed on the world stage.
“We all have family here, which we didn’t have in Tokyo,” she said. “So it’s really special to be able to see the flag all over the stands and see everyone cheering us on.”
Stickney also received support from two of her American teammates who joined her in the final as Paralympic veterans McKenzie Coan and Ahalya Lettenberger also swam in the race.
Coan snuck past Italy’s Giulia Terzi to take silver, securing a one-two finish for the Americans.
“When you’re part of Team USA, you’re part of a family,” Stickney said. “We don’t succeed alone. We succeed when we come together as one.”
As the national anthem played, Coan and Stickney enjoyed the moment together, greeting family and friends from the podium. Coan was visibly emotional after winning her first medal in four Paralympic appearances.
“It’s amazing to be able to hear that anthem and know that all your hard work has paid off,” Coan said. “It’s something very special that no one will ever forget.”
Stickney and Coan kicked off what would become a busy night for the Americans. The U.S. team managed to place three swimmers in the finals of the 400m freestyle SM7 and 50m freestyle S13, filling the maximum number of spots a country can occupy in an event.
Gia Pergolini returns to the podium
The contagious energy continued among Team USA in the women’s 50m freestyle S13 final.
Gia Pergolini narrowly took silver in a tight race, adding another Paralympic medal to her tally. Pergolini clocked 27.51 seconds, just nine hundredths of a second ahead of bronze medallist Carlotta Gilli of Italy.
Like Stickney, Pergolini swam as if there was no pressure.
“It’s amazing that I was able to get the silver,” Pergolini said. “I mean, the 50 freestyle is the least stressful event for me. It’s what I consider a fun event and so I gave it my all in the pool.”
Pergolini was encouraged by Stickney and Coan’s double early in the session. Each group of athletes took turns watching the others’ races, cheering them on from the stands.
“Just seeing them dominate their events and seeing them be there for us, it’s just incredible,” Pergolini said. “I love them to death.”
Once again, the United States placed three swimmers in the final, taking up nearly half of the championship series. The final featured three of the four members of Team USA’s favorite group of friends, bringing their positive spirits and best dance moves.
Olivia Chambers and Grace Nuhfer joined Pergolini in the series and finished fourth and eighth in the finale.
Although it wasn’t the result either competitor was looking for, they said they were grateful for the opportunity to race alongside each other.
“Team USA has some incredible women and you know, to have two separate races with all three women back, it’s really crazy,” Chambers said. “I couldn’t be more proud of them and it’s so cool to get up and see what we can do.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paralympic swimming highlights: Morgan Stickney wins as U.S. women run wild
