Ruby Stevens is a Canadian para-swimmer born with complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia and generalized dystonia. She won gold in the women’s S6 100-metre backstroke at the 2023 Parapan American Games setting a new Parapan American Games record in the event.

Ruby Stevens
Personal information
Born (2002-09-07) September 7, 2002 (age 22)
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Sport
Disability classS6
Coached byVicky Keith
Achievements and titles
World finals2023 Parapan American Games: S6 100-metre backstroke; Gold
Medal record
Para-swimming
Representing  Canada
Parapan American Games
Gold medal – first place 2023 S6 100-metre backstroke

Early life and education

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Stevens is diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as having seizures due to epilepsy. She began synchronized swimming at age 2.[1]

Career

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Stevens competed in synchronized swimming for the Variety Village Synchro Club[2] and represented Canada in synchronized swimming at an international competition in Taiwan in 2015.[1]

Stevens won the B Final in the women’s multi class 100 breaststroke at the Para Swimming World Series in Guadalajara, Mexico, her first international competition.[3] She competed at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile and won gold in the women’s S6 100-metre backstroke. She won Canada's first gold at the Games[4] and set a Games record at 1:30.41.[5][6]

References

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  1. ^ a b Jerome, Amanda (2015-06-16). "Toronto-area girl overcomes special needs challenges to become synchronized swimming champion". Yahoo News. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  2. ^ "Calgary Aquabelles lead in solo and team at 2013 Espoir Nationals". PanAm Aquatics. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  3. ^ "Stevens sets the tone with Parapan record on Day 1 in Santiago – Swimming Canada". Swimming Canada. 2023-11-19. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  4. ^ Heroux, Devin (2023-11-18). "Ruby Stevens wins Canada's 1st gold at Parapan Am Games, Stephanie Chan its 1st medal". CBC.ca. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  5. ^ "Ruby Stevens wins Canada's first gold medal at 2023 Parapan Am Games | Canadian Paralympic Committee". Paralympics Canada. 19 November 2023. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  6. ^ "GOLD MEDAL: Scarborough's Ruby Stevens sets Parapan Am record in 100m backstroke S6 victory". CBC.ca. 2023.