Speedo Signs Paralympic Medalist Ahalya Lettenberger
American Paralympic silver medalists Ahalya Lettenberger has joined Speedo, the company announced on Wednesday.
Lettenberger, 22, won silver in the SM7 200 individual medley at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021. She’s a three-time World Championship medalist, including silvers in the S7 400 free in 2019 and 2023. She also won the S8 100 backstroke at age 14 at the Parapan American Games in 2015.
The native of Glyn Ellen, Illinois, was born with Arthrogryposis Amyoplasia, a condition affecting the muscles in her lower body. She started swimming at age 11 as a way to overcome pain from her condition and started competing at age 12. She recently set an American record in the 200 breaststroke.
She swims on the varsity team at Rice University, where she’s a graduate student. She was awarded a Marshall Scholarship to study for a year at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom and then a year at University College London. She’s pursuing master’s degrees in sports biomechanics and Disability, Design and Innovation in those studies.
“Joining Speedo is a dream come true,” Lettenberger said in a press release. “Speedo has a rich history of supporting athletes at the highest level, and I am honored to be a part of this legacy. I am excited to wear the best swimwear, the Speedo Fastskin, as I continue my journey in Para Swimming and advocate for inclusivity in sports.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Ahalya Lettenberger to the Speedo family,” Speedo Global Senior Vice President Simon Brecken said. “Ahalya’s journey is nothing short of inspirational, and her dedication to swimming is a testament to her strength and resilience. As a brand, Speedo is committed to supporting athletes who embody the spirit of excellence, and Ahalya truly exemplifies that spirit in everything she does. We look forward to supporting her as she continues to ‘go full Speedo’ and excel in the world of Para Swimming.”
From the release:
As part of the Speedo family, Ahalya will showcase the latest advancements in swimwear technology including the latest edition of Speedo’s pioneering Fastskin® LZR® Intent and LZR Valor swimsuits developed by Speedo’s Aqualab® research and development facility and engineered from Lamoral®️ Space Tech. Utilizing Lamoral’s world-leading expertise, the new suits feature improved hydrophobic qualities, allowing athletes to perform at peak performance on race day. To produce the LZR Intent 2.0 and LZR Valor 2.0, Speedo worked closely with Lamoral, whose original coatings were developed for use on satellites. Speedo’s commitment to innovation aligns seamlessly with Ahalya’s drive to push boundaries and redefine what is possible in Para Swimming. Speedo is proud to stand beside Ahalya as she embarks on this next chapter of her extraordinary journey, embodying the brand’s ethos of innovation, performance, and unwavering commitment to success.
— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with Speedo. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.