Darien Paralympian welcomed home after silver medal wins

DARIEN, Conn. (WTNH) — More than a hundred people gathered Monday in Darien to honor Ali Truwit, who won two silver medals at this summer’s Paris Paralympic Games.

“It’s hard to put into words, but the support is truly what’s gotten me here,” Truwit said. “To think about the fact that, on a Monday at 4 p.m., we have this many people out here to support me and welcome me home just gives me chills.”

It wasn’t just any Monday. Local leaders declared Sept. 23 as Ali Truwit Day.

The Darien resident made history by breaking two American swim records just 15 months after losing part of her leg in a shark attack.

“For me, it was reminding myself that a lot of this year has been me facing fear and overcoming PTSD,” Truwit said. “So, I’ve done it before, I can do it again.”

Truwit has since created a foundation to help those with disabilities get prosthetics.

“I hope that all those young children are looking and realizing that they can do this, too; and whatever hardship they’re going through or any goals they have, they’re strong enough to achieve them,” Truwit said.

She’s inspiring people of all ages, like Grace Wohlberg, a Darien resident whose parents said she was just 10 years old when she lost one arm and one leg to a rare disease.

“[Ali’s] just an inspiration,” Wohlberg said. “I like to swim like Ali, and she inspires me.”

Truwit said she’s looking forward to her upcoming speaking engagements and training to run a marathon.

As for swimming in the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, Truwit said she’s taking training “a day at a time.”

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