On August 15, 2021, 24 year old Morgan Stickney won her first paralympic gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle with a time of 4:42.39. In 2018, Stickney had her first leg amputation due to a rare cardiovascular disease; a year later she underwent a second leg amputation. This did not stop her from reaching her goal to make it to Tokyo. Stickney swims with the Tac Titans in Cary NC. 

Stickney was bound to win silver until the last lap of the race. She makes her move passing teammate Jessica Long. Racing to the finish, Stickney touches first to win her first gold medal!

Stickney began competitive swimming at age 10. She won gold at the National Paralympic Championships in 2018 in the 400-meter freestyle and 100-meter freestyle. She is a swimming machine! 

“Honestly, it is such an honor to be able to represent Team USA and have the opportunity to compete!” says Stickney. 

Stickney also won another gold medal for Team USA in the women’s 4x100m medley relay. She gave an outstanding performance anchoring the relay. “I can’t really even put into words how incredible it is to win not only one, but two gold medals!” Stickney states. 

Alongside Stickney, is Hannah Aspen. Aspen swims on the TAC with Stickney. She grew up in Raleigh and went to Leesville Road High School. Aspen was born with a congenital hip disaticularion and does not have a left leg. She has won two gold medals in Tokyo, one in the 100m-backstroke and the 4x100m medley relay. In Rio, she won 2 bronze medals in the same events.