Elise Morley

The Backstory:
Born without her left hand, Elise Morley starting swimming at age four. Though it took until age nine when she joined a competitive swim team for her to love it, she’s grown to love the sport and it shows. Morley has competed for her local club and Highschool teams but has also gone on to represent USA at world competitions as well. In 2018 at the World Para Swimming World Series, she placed third in the 100m freestyle and again in 2018 at the U.S. Paralympics Swimming Para National Championships she took home 2nd place in both the 100m and 50m freestyle. She followed that up by competing in the 2019 World Para Swimming World Series where she placed third in both the 100m butterfly and 100m freestyle. Morley also took home a win at the 2019 Parapan American Games in Lima, placing second in the 4x100m freestyle relay and third in the 50m freestyle.

Away from swimming:
Morley is currently attending Wheaton University in Illinois, where she is majoring in Biology. She enjoys encouraging those younger than her to achieve their dreams and offers mentorship when she can.

In their own words:
“Some people don’t know you have a disability or who you are, it’s an uncomfortable feeling, but also motivating to prove you deserve to be there.”

“I love being part of a team where I can grow with the team and watch them grow as people and swimmers. I have learned that you can be a positive influence on people without even knowing it.”

“Can I get any faster? How good can I get? And what is the best I can do?”

“It’s really about pushing through the pain and honing your craft.”

Learn More:
Team USA Page
IPC Page
Adaptive Sports NE: “Elise Morley– Superstar”
The Sun Chronicle: “Swimming to Her Dream”
The Sun Chronicle: “Norton’s Morley to Represent Team USA at ParaPan American Games in Peru”