LIZZI SMITH

When Lizzi Smith was 11, she watched a Disney Channel special on 29-time Paralympic medallist Jessica Long. Not only was she mesmerised, it also served to inspire the youngster who dreamed of standing alone on the podium.

Two relay medals at Rio 2016 were accompanied by the desolation of fourth place where she was locked out of the podium by 0.01secs in the 100m butterfly S9.

In Tokyo in 2021, however, she claimed silver and cast her mind back five years, saying: “In Rio I was terrified. I remember right before I walked out wanting to turn around and run away. This time I was able to focus on my breathing and my tempo.”

Lizzi was born without a left forearm but was encouraged to try lots of physical activities as a child. She first tried swimming aged seven in Muncie, Indiana, where she grew up the seventh of eighth children.

It was almost all over before it had begun when she wanted to quit 15 minutes into her first swim session but was bribed with pizza to carry on and give it a go. She flourished in the water, competing against able-bodied and Paralympic peers.

After Rio, she went on a solo road trip across the USA and joined forces with coach Ian Crocker, a five-time Olympic medallist and one-time rival of Michael Phelps, before moving on to Patrick McCloskey.

She has made an impact on many with former director of US Paralympics Swimming quoted in the Indy Star, saying: “She’s unique. I wouldn’t say that about everybody. She’s just a free spirit.”