Competing in her second straight Paralympic Games, former Rice University swimmer Ahalya Lettenberger is not only looking to represent her country on the global stage in Paris, but also aims to be a role model for athletes with disabilities worldwide.
“It’s so important to me to be able to represent athletes with disabilities and kids with disabilities everywhere,” Lettenberger said. “Growing up as a kid with a physical disability, I didn’t really have that many role models that looked like me — I didn’t even find out about the Paralympics until I was 12.
“So I just want to be a role model for them and showcase the power of disability. Disability doesn’t have to be a bad thing — it can be your superpower.”
Lettenberger, a 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games silver medalist, 2022 World Para Swimming Championships bronze medalist, 2023 World Para Swimming Championships silver medalist and Marshall Scholar, headed to Paris Aug. 16 to begin her journey of competing in the 2024 Paralympic Games. She qualified in the women’s 400-meter freestyle and the 100 breaststroke at the U.S. Paralympic team trials in June. Lettenberger is one of 21 women and 12 men who will represent Team USA at the Paralympics, which begin Aug. 28.
Lettenberger recounted her experience in Tokyo during the COVID-19 pandemic and previewed what she’s excited to see in an environment where there will be fans and crowds this go-round.
“I’m definitely most looking forward to there being people there, because I went to Tokyo and it was (during the pandemic), so my family couldn’t go,” Lettenberger said. “So I’m really excited this time around to get the full Paralympic experience.”
Despite the challenges the pandemic presented in the 2020 Games, Lettenberger says she learned a lot from her time in Tokyo.
“I think my biggest takeaway was just taking in the experience,” she said. “Not many people get that opportunity, so it’s just about embracing the experience and taking it all in. This time around, I’m really looking forward to being a veteran on this team, being a leader and helping the young people on the team with that approach.”
When Lettenberger first arrived on campus at Rice, Seth Huston, the Owls’ head swimming and diving coach, knew she had talent. But he said he never could’ve imagined all that she’s accomplished in her career thus far.
“When she got here, we felt like she was going to be great on the team, but she’s kind of been our star,” Huston said. “Ahalya has been more than we ever thought she could be as a member of our program, and I’m just super proud of her and really excited to see how she performs.
“Anytime Rice has someone doing anything at the international level, whether it’s presenting some academic findings or performing athletically, it just shines a light on Rice University.”
Extremely motivated to medal once again, Lettenberger credits Rice for helping prepare her for this moment.
“I’ve had the best time competing at Rice. This team is like a second family to me,” she said. “All the support I’ve gotten from Seth and the coaching staff has been just incredible — more than I could have ever asked for.
“It’s such an honor to represent not only the U.S. but also Rice, and just being able to compete for all the people that have helped me get here … it’s truly such an honor, and words can’t describe what it means.”
Lettenberger will compete on Labor Day weekend, and her coaches, teammates and the Rice community can’t wait to watch her.
“We’ll make sure we’re watching and cheering, and she’s already wanting to make sure I’m available,” Huston said. “I’m sure there’s going to be a couple of moments of getting her set up, making sure she’s in the right place physically and mentally.”