Marks, Pagonis Break Americas Records on Final Night of U.S. Paralympic Trials

2024 U.S. PARA SWIMMING TRIALS

Paralympic champions Elizabeth Marks and Anastasia Pagonis broke continental records on Saturday to close out the U.S. Paralympic Swimming Trials at the University of Minnesota’s Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center in Minneapolis.

Marks lowered the Americas record in the women’s 50 freestyle S6 to 33.13 in prelims before winning the final in 33.30. The 33-year-old tied her own world record in the 100 backstroke S6 on Thursday with a time of 1:19.57.

“I’m really enjoying watching and cheering for the up-and-coming younger swimmers,” Marks said. “I am extremely honored to be here.”

Pagonis captured the 50 free S11 crown in an Americas record of 30.51. The Long Island native also won the 400 free S11 (5:12.08) and 100 free (1:08.19) this week in her first major meet since working her way back from a concussion and shoulder surgery.

“I want to have a comeback story for sure, especially with the setbacks I have had in the last year with a concussion and then shoulder surgery which was terrifying, only a year before the Games,” Pagonis said. “I’m looking forward to hopefully holding the world title in something other than just the 400-meter freestyle.”

Christie Raleigh Crossley collected a pair of victories on Saturday in the 100 fly S9 (1:08.25) and 50 free S9 (28.06) as the 2023 world champion (100 back S9) aims for her first Paralympic berth at 37 years old.

Five-time Paralympian Jessica Long totaled the most individual wins this week at five, with Marks, Raleigh Crossley, Leanne Smith, and Noah Jaffe all tallying four 1st-place finishes.

Jamal Hill prevailed in the men’s 50 free S9 with a time of 25.26. The 29-year-old picked up a bronze medal in the event at the Tokyo Paralympics a few years ago with an American record of 25.19.

“I’m feeling really really grateful to be here, coming into this trials I think a lot of people have high expectations of me, but it doesn’t make it any easier,” Hill said. “There were a lot of times during the season I wanted to throw in the towel. I want people to know they shouldn’t quit and should do their best.”

Paralympic champion Gia Pergolini capped her meet with a win in the 50 free S13 (27.63) after already earning a victory in her signature 100 back S13 (1:05.63) earlier this week.

“I am just feeling so grateful to be here with so many inspiring fellow athletes and friends,” Pergolini said. “We were in a really weird time during COVID-19 with limited coverage. So it is really nice to have spectators and tons of media here. Having more people here as spectators than we ever have had adds a little bit more stress, but I thrive in that environment. I love having the crowd and the excitement and energy they bring.”

The Paralympic Team naming ceremony is set for Sunday, June 30 at 9:30 a.m. CDT at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Day 3 Winners