Grace Nuhfer (born July 15, 2002) is an American Paralympic swimmer who represented the United States at the 2024 Summer Paralympics winning a silver medal.

Grace Nuhfer
Personal information
NationalityAmerican
Born (2002-07-15) July 15, 2002 (age 22)
Greenwood, Indiana, U.S.
Sport
SportParalympic swimming
DisabilityBrittle cornea syndrome
Disability classS13
Medal record
Women's paralympic swimming
Representing  United States
Paralympics Games
Silver medal – second place 2024 Paris 100 m butterfly S13
Parapan American Games
Silver medal – second place 2023 Santiago 50 m freestyle S13

Early life and education

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Nuhfer attended Greenwood High School where she was a three-time state qualifier and won multiple Johnson County, Mid-State Conference and sectional championships in the 100-yard butterfly.[1] In January 2021 she verbally committed to swim at the University of Akron.[2] While at Akron she's pursuing a business/data analytics major and philosophy/pre-law minor degree.[3][4]

Career

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Nuhfer was scheduled to make her para swimming debut in May 2023, however, she underwent surgery in March to repair torn ligaments in her left wrist. She made her debut at the 2023 California Classic in September, where she won all six of her events and set an S13 American record in the 200-meter butterfly with a time of 2:30.38. As a result, she qualified to represent the United States at the 2023 Parapan American Games.[1] During the Parapan American Games she won a silver medal in the 50 meter freestyle S13 event with a Parapan American Games record time of 27.90.[5][6]

On June 30, 2024, Nuhfer was named to team USA's roster to compete at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.[7][8]

Personal life

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Nuhfer was born to Adam and Tami Nuhfer, and has one sister, Elaina. Her mother ran track and field for four years at Purdue University.[9] Nuhfer and her sister both have brittle cornea syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.[10]

References

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  1. ^ a b O'Leary, Ryan (November 8, 2023). "Greenwood's Nuhfer set to swim for Team USA in Chile". dailyjournal.net. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  2. ^ Lepesant, Madeleine (January 18, 2021). "Butterfly Specialist Grace Nuhfer Chooses University of Akron for 2021". swimswam.com. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  3. ^ "A Closer Look at Team USA Paralympic National Team Member Grace Nuhfer". gozips.com. October 11, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  4. ^ Johnson, Kathy (March 19, 2024). "Unsinkable college athlete swims against the odds toward Paralympic dream". akronchildrens.org. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  5. ^ "Austin, Winnett & Nuhfer Break Parapan Am Records For U.S. On Day 5 In Santiago". swimswam.com. November 23, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  6. ^ "Team USA Triumphs At 2023 Parapan American Games". usopc.org. November 26, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  7. ^ Gowdy, Kristen (June 30, 2024). "U.S. Paralympics Swimming Roster Announced for 2024 Paralympic Games". usparaswimming.org. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  8. ^ "Akron's Nuhfer Qualifies for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games in the 100 Butterfly". getsomemaction.com. July 2, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  9. ^ "Athlete of the Month: Grace Nuhfer". myiconmedia.com. February 25, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  10. ^ Handel, Craig (May 31, 2024). "Grace Nuhfer Hopes a Homecoming in Indianapolis Will Spur Her to Her First Paralympic Games". usparaswimming.org. Retrieved July 5, 2024.