David Gelfand

The Backstory:
David Gelfand was born without a knee in his left leg, no hip socket, smaller femur making his left leg almost half the size of his right, a condition called proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD). He started swimming for a YMCA club team and quickly realized he could outswim able-bodied competitors and set times that earned him national invites. His talent went on to earn him a spot in 2016 Paralympic trials, taking home a few wins, as well as a spot on two relays at the 2017 World Series meet in Berlin. In 2019 Gelfand was chosen for the U.S. Paralympic National Team and earned a bronze medal for the 200-individual medley at the World Para Swimming World Series. He is attending Tufts University where he continues to train, swim, and prepare for Tokyo.

Away from swimming:
Gelfand is currently a sophomore at Tufts University majoring in mechanical engineering, with a computer science minor. Among his studies, is a research project to develop software to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injuries. Right now he is focus on the upcoming Paralympics, but in any area of his life Gelfand enjoys a good challenge.

In their own words:
“My parents took me swimming in the little ‘daddy and me’ events, and ever since then I’ve liked to swim. I just like the freedom. “On a pool deck, there’s really no way to hide your disability, which has made it much easier to accept myself for who I am.”

“I’ve always lived with a mentality that I can do anything that I set my mind to,” he said. “It may mean that it’s harder for me, but it doesn’t mean that I can’t do it.”

“I love being in the water,” said Gelfand. “Just getting in the water and not having anything that’s holding me back. I like just being able to compete with my peers and be on the same team as everyone else.”

“For the past few years, I’ve really set my mind on wanting to compete in Tokyo,” he said. “That’s what gets me to the pool every day and really gets me going. I’m proud of the work I’ve put in and excited to continue putting in that work to achieve my goals.”

Learn more:
Team USA Page
IPC Page
Tufts Now: “A Special Talent for Swimming”
Tufts Now: “Tokyo Dreams”