Ali Truwit

Ali Truwit is a professional swimmer, a two-time Paralympic medalist and an NCAA athlete with a degree in cognitive science and behavioral economics from Yale University. Just days after her graduation in 2023, she lost her leg in a shark attack while snorkeling in Turks and Caicos. The athlete was back in the water one month after the amputation, and, about a year after the attack, she qualified for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. 

Making her debut in France, she earned two silver medals in the 400-meter freestyle and 100-meter backstroke, setting the American record for both events within 48 hours. And in 2025, she completed the New York City marathon following months of intense training.

Outside of her success in sports, Truwit is a passionate advocate for both limb loss and water safety, working closely with the Special Olympics and partnering with major brands, including Nike, Hello Sunshine, Speedo, Utz and Vince Camuto. She is also the founder of the non-profit organization Stronger Than You Think. Truwit made her debut in SI Swimsuit’s 2025 issue as a featured athlete in Boca Raton, Fla., before reuniting with the brand in Montauk, N.Y., for her sophomore shoot with photographer Ben Watts in 2026.