Three-time Paralympic swimmer Colleen Young just won her second and third ever Paralympics medals in Tokyo. On Aug. 30, Young won silver in the SM13 women’s 200m individual medley. She then won bronze in the SB13 women’s 100m breaststroke on Sept. 1, concluding her Tokyo Paralympic run.
Although Young was barely able to see when she was younger, she is classified as legally blind, which is why she competes in the S/SB13 division meant for athletes with the least severe vision impairment eligible for Paralympic sport.
When she’s not in the pool, Young spends time with her dog, meditates, and is focused on her educational studies. Keep reading for five more fun facts about the decorated bilingual (English and German) Paralympian.
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Colleen Young Was the Youngest Athlete to Represent Team USA at the 2012 London Paralympics
At 14 years old and 64 days in 2012, Young was indeed the youngest Paralympian to represent Team USA in London. While she didn’t medal in London, Young went on to compete in the SB13 women’s 100m Breaststroke at the 2016 Rio Games and earn a bronze medal. Tokyo is her third Paralympic Games.
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Colleen Young's Prerace Ritual
Before racing, Young’s preracing ritual includes coffee, meditation, and, most importantly, talking to other people. She has said that it loosens her up before she enters the water.
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Colleen Young Is Currently Earning Her MBA In Health Services Management
While training for and competing in the Tokyo Paralympics, Young has been studying for her MBA in Health Services Management. Her undergraduate degree is in communications with a minor in public relations.
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Swimmer Colleen Young Has Participated in Several Sports Outside of Swimming
When Young was younger, she swam while playing softball, soccer, and golf. As Young grew up, she put a majority of her focus toward competing in golf and swimming. However, after the 2012 London Games, she’s exclusively continued with competitive swimming.
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Swimmer Colleen Young's Philosophy on the Inclusive Elements of Swimming
For Young, the pool is a space where it’s just her and the water that holds her up. The simplicity of being in the water is what she finds so inclusive about the sport. “Anyone can swim, any ability, any age, because the water treats you the same,” she has said.
