At just 20 years old, Gia Pergolini has already made a splash on the international stage, securing her place in Paralympic history as a two-time gold medalist. The Roswell native who’s now studying at Florida International University represented the U.S. at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Paralympic Games.
“Words can't describe how honored and grateful I am to compete for the greatest country in the world,” explained Gia. “It was so surreal and a moment I will never forget.”
Gia took her first dip into the pool at 4 years old and started swimming competitively at age 5. “Swimming was my passion," she said, though growing up, she also dabbled in other sports like lacrosse, soccer, tennis, and gymnastics. However, at the age of 9, her life took a significant turn when she was diagnosed with Stargardt's Disease, a genetic eye condition that causes the gradual loss of central vision. This rare diagnosis brought clarity to her focus on swimming.
Her first international breakthrough came at the 2017 World Para Swimming Championships, where she earned her first silver medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the age of 13. She won silver again in 2019. By the time the 2020 Paralympics rolled around, Gia was ready to make a bigger splash. At just 17 years old, she broke the world record in the 100-meter backstroke during the qualifying heats, then shattered her own record in the finals, winning her first Paralympic gold medal. Gia continued to ride the high tide of success into the 2024 Summer Paralympics, bringing home another gold in the 100-meter backstroke and a silver in the 50-meter freestyle.
“It's always an unreal feeling touching the wall and knowing you did it,” Gia admitted. "Realizing everything I worked and trained hard for, all the sacrifices I made in the past was worth it.”
Despite her success, Gia stays grounded. “Sometimes when I show people my medals, it still feels surreal,” she said. “Seeing their amazement reminds me just how far I’ve come. My friends and family often say, ‘Only a tiny percentage of the world makes it to the Olympics or Paralympics.’ I’m blessed and honored.”
The road to gold, however, wasn’t always smooth. Gia credits her team—including swim coach Ian Murray from Dynamo Swim Club and personal trainer Larry Keaton, who’s been with her since the start—for keeping her focused and afloat during tough times. “They have challenged me mentally and physically, helping me become a better athlete,” Gia explained. “Most important, my family—especially my mom Alice who has guided and supported me, even at my lowest moments. I love her more than life itself. My brothers Matt and David are always there to pump me up and try to guide me from their experiences. Without my father Bill, I wouldn't be the tough, never quit headstrong person that I am today.”
Though she’s taking a brief break to finish college, Gia plans to train for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. Her message to others is one of resilience and authenticity: “Be yourself. People have doubted or criticized me, but I had to learn that their opinions don’t define me. As long as you stay true to who you are and keep a positive mindset, you’re unstoppable.”
Driven by a sense of purpose and supported by those who believe in her, Gia Pergolini is not only breaking records in the pool but also redefining what it means to be a champion.
Follow Gia on Instagram: @gia.pergolini
Gia has been awarded the Sarah Woolf Spirit Award by the Center for the Visually Impaired in Atlanta. “CVI helped me tremendously when I was first diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease. I’m incredibly grateful,” she said, looking forward to attending the 2025 Night Visions Gala: Visions of Hope in March.