Anastasia is a 3x World Champion and a 2X Paralympian on a mission to change how people ‘see’ the visually impaired. To truly see them as they are, not stereotypes.
When asked to describe a blind person, Anastasia offers that “most people think of a man walking around like a zombie, big dark glasses, and a cane, but that’s not how visual impairment is for me.”
“I try to only make sure that I work with people who really stand with what I believe in.”
Anastasia Pagonis
Anastasia is a bubbly, stylish, world-class athlete who many often don’t realize has a disability when briefly looking at her or quickly perusing her Instagram page. As Anastasia shares, “I don’t have to be in that box that you put me in.” And as Anastasia has won medal after medal and gained hundreds thousands of social media followers, she’s proven that she doesn’t fit in any one box.
“Be kind to yourself.”
Anastasia Pagonis
3x World Champion. 2x Paralympian. USA Swimming
As Anastasia looks to the future, she focuses on what she can control: herself and how she shows up. She’s extremely intentional about her partners and sponsors saying, “I try to only make sure that I work with people who really stand with what I believe in.” On a daily basis, she focuses on the things she can do, not on what she can’t. She asks herself “what is one thing I can do today that will make me feel and be more successful?” and then she does it!
In today’s conversation, we elevate Anastasia’s work in and out of the pool, and discuss how everyone can be an ally to para athletes.
