Erin Popovich, 23, and Courtney Jordan, 17, are dominating the swimming pool at the Beijing Paralympic Games. With the games now over, Popovich will take home four gold medals and two silvers while Jordan has a gold, two silvers and a bronze.
Erin Popovich has a form of dwarfism that prevents her from swimming competitively at the Olympics. But her drive and determination have put her on the podium in three different Paralympic games. She medaled in the 50-meter butterfly, 50-meter freestyle, 200-meter individual relay, 100-meter breaststroke and two other events this year alone; she has been compared to American swimming phenom Michael Phelps. "He is a phenomenal athlete," Popvich said of Phelps. "I’m very proud to be mentioned in the same sentences with him."
Courtney Jordan, who at 17 found glory in her first Paralympic games, took gold in the 50 meter freestyle. "I saw myself on the screen and couldn’t believe it. It was unbelievable," she said. Jordan landed on the podium for two silver medals during the games, coming in second both times to American teammate Erin Popovich. She is not upset about silver and values Popovich’s leadership and friendship as a teammate. "I didn’t think I’d be as fast without Erin," Jordan said. "We push each other. I just feel more confident in the ready room when she’s there."
Erin Popovich says she has no plans on retiring from the sport and we know that Courtney Jordan’s career is just starting to bloom. Best of luck to the American Paralympians in London 2012!
Sources: Chicago Tribune, Las Vegas Review Journal
Here is another GroundReport article about Paralympic swimming.