Marks, Pagonis Break Americas Records on Final Night of U.S. Paralympic Trials

Pagonis captured the 50 free S11 crown in an Americas record of 30.51. The Long Island native also won the 400 free S11 (5:12.08) and 100 free (1:08.19) this week in her first major meet since working her way back from a concussion and shoulder surgery.

“I want to have a comeback story for sure, especially with the setbacks I have had in the last year with a concussion and then shoulder surgery which was terrifying, only a year before the Games,” Pagonis said. “I’m looking forward to hopefully holding the world title in something other than just the 400-meter freestyle.”

Christie Raleigh Crossley collected a pair of victories on Saturday in the 100 fly S9 (1:08.25) and 50 free S9 (28.06) as the 2023 world champion (100 back S9) aims for her first Paralympic berth at 37 years old.

Five-time Paralympian Jessica Long totaled the most individual wins this week at five, with Marks, Raleigh Crossley, Leanne Smith, and Noah Jaffe all tallying four 1st-place finishes.

Jamal Hill prevailed in the men’s 50 free S9 with a time of 25.26. The 29-year-old picked up a bronze medal in the event at the Tokyo Paralympics a few years ago with an American record of 25.19.

“I’m feeling really really grateful to be here, coming into this trials I think a lot of people have high expectations of me, but it doesn’t make it any easier,” Hill said. “There were a lot of times during the season I wanted to throw in the towel. I want people to know they shouldn’t quit and should do their best.”

Paralympic champion Gia Pergolini capped her meet with a win in the 50 free S13 (27.63) after already earning a victory in her signature 100 back S13 (1:05.63) earlier this week.

“I am just feeling so grateful to be here with so many inspiring fellow athletes and friends,” Pergolini said. “We were in a really weird time during COVID-19 with limited coverage. So it is really nice to have spectators and tons of media here. Having more people here as spectators than we ever have had adds a little bit more stress, but I thrive in that environment. I love having the crowd and the excitement and energy they bring.”

The Paralympic Team naming ceremony is set for Sunday, June 30 at 9:30 a.m. CDT at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Day 3 Winners

• Jessica Long (Women’s 100-meter Butterfly S8)
• Christie Raleigh Crossley (Women’s 100-meter Butterfly S9)
• Taylor Winnett (Women’s 100-meter Butterfly S10)
• Grace Nuhfer (Women’s 100-meter Butterfly S13)
• Piper Sadowski (Women’s 100-meter Butterfly S14)
• Noah Jaffe (Men’s 100-meter Butterfly S8)
• Braxton Wong (Men’s 100-meter Butterfly S9)
• Yassen El-Demerdash (Men’s 100-meter Butterfly S10)
• Evan Wilkerson (Men’s 100-meter Butterfly S12)
• Lawrence Sapp (Men’s 100-meter Butterfly S14)
• Leanne Smith (Women’s 150-meter Individual Medley SM4)
• Victoria Beelner (Women’s 200 -meter Individual Medley SM5)
• Elizabeth Marks (Women’s 200-meter Individual Medley SM6)
• Mallory Weggemann (Women’s 200-meter Individual Medley SM7)
• Jessica Long (Women’s 200-meter Individual Medley SM8)
• Summer Schmit (Women’s 200-meter Individual Medley SM9)
• Olivia Chambers (Women’s 200-meter Individual Medley SM13)
• Morgan Ray (Men’s 200-meter Individual Medley SM6)
• Noah Jaffe (Men’s 200-meter Individual Medley SM8)
• David Gelfand (Men’s 200-meter Individual Medley SM9)
• Aaron Thomas (Men’s 200-meter Individual Medley SM10)
• David Abrahams (Men’s 200-meter Individual Medley SM13)
• Jeff Lovett (Men’s 200-meter Individual Medley SM14)
• Leanne Smith (Women’s 50-meter Freestyle S4)
• Elizabeth Marks (Women’s 50-meter Freestyle S6)
• Mallory Weggemann (Women’s 50-meter Freestyle S7)
• Christie Raleigh Crossley (Women’s 50-meter Freestyle S9)
• Anastasia Pagonis (Women’s 50-meter Freestyle S11)
• Gia Pergolini (Women’s 50-meter Freestyle S13)
• Abbas Karimi (Men’s 50-meter Freestyle S5)
• Adin Williams (Men’s 50-meter Freestyle S7)
• Jamal Hill (Men’s 50-meter Freestyle S9)
• Yaseen El-Demerdash (Men’s 50-meter Freestyle S10)
• William Rankine (Men’s 50-meter Freestyle S12)