Matthew Torres

The backstory:
Matthew was born with amniotic band syndrome, resulting in congenital differences in his lower right leg and both hands. From an early age he tried out sports such as baseball and soccer, but he excelled at swimming after getting his first lessons at age 7. Within a year, Matthew was competing for his local YMCA team, and soon after that he advanced to the National Junior Disability Championships. He asserted himself as a medal contender at the 2019 Parapan Games in Lima, Peru, where he took gold in the 400 meter freestyle S9/S8 (setting a new Parapan record for that event) and the 100 meter breaststroke S8. He also took a bronze medal in the 4×100 medley relay. Matthew swims for Fairfield University in Connecticut.

Away from the pool:
Matthew roots for the New England Patriots and Real Madrid.

In his own words:
“Sometimes I’ll be at practice and just start thinking about Tokyo and how I’m not that far away from my fellow competitors who are in medal contention. It motivates me, and I just try to push harder. It’s not unrealistic to think maybe I can get a silver or maybe even gold. It’s just about putting in the effort every day.”

Learn more:
Team USA
New Haven Independent: “Torres Wins Two Gold Medals”
Connecticut Post: “Teen Swimmer Shoots for Paralympics”