As a child, she was involved in baseball, softball, football, and gymnastics. However, due to limitations with her prosthetics, she decided to pursue swimming. She began competing in Para swimming in 2015. "My shoulders do get sore sometimes, but once I'm in the water I feel free," she said.

Training and Coaching

She trains at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO, United States of America. She has also served as an assistant swimming coach at Hendrix College in Conway, AR, United States of America.

Injuries and Challenges

She sustained a scapula injury in 2022 and was still dealing with the problem in mid-2023. Despite this setback, she continues to train and compete at a high level.

Memorable Moments and Inspirations

One of her most memorable moments was competing at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. She looks up to US Para swimmer Jessica Long for inspiration. "She inspires me a lot. She has given me various tips to improve my swimming," she said.

Philosophy and Favourite Event

Her philosophy is simple: "If I can do it, anyone else can do it." Her preferred event is the 200m individual medley. "I love doing all four of the strokes and sprinting all four of them. The freestyle is the key for me," she explained.

Ambitions

Looking ahead, she aims to win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. This goal drives her daily training and commitment to the sport.

Hobbies and Personal Life

Outside of swimming, she enjoys reading, fishing, playing basketball, and spending time with friends. These activities provide a balance to her rigorous training schedule.

Her journey from being adopted from an orphanage in Russia to becoming a competitive Para swimmer is inspiring. With her eyes set on Paris 2024, she continues to push herself towards achieving her dreams.