41. Trischa Zorn-Hudson - Most-Decorated Paralympian On Overcoming Stigma To Find Success

Ruling Sports

Trischa Zorn-Hudson is the most-decorated Paralympian in the history of the Paralympic Games.

Born in California, Trischa’s parents received scary news in her early days. She was born with Aniridia, an absence of the iris in her eyes. At the time, significant stigma surrounded people with disabilities. Trischa’s parents were told that she would need to be institutionalized.

That possibility wasn’t an option for either Trischa or her parents. Instead, Trischa became heavily involved in—and talented at—swimming early on. Her ability was so great that she became the first visually impaired athlete to earn an NCAA Division I scholarship, competing and becoming a four-time All-American at the University of Nebraska. Before enrolling at the University of Nebraska, Trischa actually competed in her first Paralympic Games at just 16. There, she won seven gold medals. Between the ages of 16 and 40, Trischa won 55 Paralympic medals, including 41 gold medals across seven Paralympic Games.

In this episode, Trischa discusses:

  • The stigma she faced as an athlete with a disability, how the landscape has changed and what still needs to be done to create an equitable playing field for athletes with disabilities;
  • Why she attended law school despite a guidance counselor telling her it was impossible for a visually impaired person; and
  • How changing her routine allowed her attain one of the greatest streaks in sport history

Already inducted into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame, this September Trischa will be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

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