Have you ever heard the proverb, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again?” This proverb hails from the American educator Thomas H. Palmer, in his work, Teacher’s Manual.
The entire proverb reads:
“’Tis a lesson you should heed,
Try, try again.
If at first you don’t succeed,
Try, try again.”
In short, this proverb teaches that one should not give up too easily in the face of defeat. When one fails once, persistence can pay off in the end.
Lindsay Grogan
Photo Courtesy: Lindsay Grogan
Someone who has lived this proverb through and through is Paralympian Lindsay Grogan. At the age of seven, the same year she had her left leg amputated due to an autoimmune disease, Grogan began swimming. Unaware of what Paralympic swimming or even adaptive swimming was, Grogan grew up swimming on an able-bodied team. When she arrived at the University of Georgia, her Paralympic career took flight.
Reflecting on her past, Grogan said, “I started competitive swimming when I was 7, but that was only during the summer. I went to college at the University of Georgia and started training with the Athens Bulldog Swim Club after being encouraged by a Paralympian named Beth Riggle who was also at UGA.”
Beijing 2008
After being encouraged to compete in Para swimming, Grogan decided that she wanted to go all the way and make the United States Paralympic Team. Grogan swam at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Trials. Try number one.
Grogan said about her experience at Beijing Trials, “After Beijing trials, I was crushed. I was actually pretty far away from making the team, but I still didn’t know anything about qualifying times or anything like that at that point.”
London 2012
Photo Courtesy: Lindsay Grogan
Even though Grogan was disappointed with her finish at the 2008 Trials, she was still determined to make the Paralympic team. Her next stop was the London 2012 Trials. Try number two.
Grogan said, “Going into London trials, I knew how the selection process worked so it was more of a dull disappointment when I didn’t hit the cuts. After that, I really had to re-evaluate if I wanted to keep swimming or not.”
Grogan felt that it was not very reasonable or responsible of her to continue to swim and train while pursuing a career outside of swimming. Ultimately, though, her love for the sport kept her in the pool and trying for her dream.
“It didn’t seem very reasonable to keep going because I had just graduated from grad school and I wasn’t sure how I would be able to train and make a living,” Grogan added. “But I decided if I could work that out, then yes, I still loved the sport and wanted to see what I could do.”
Rio 2016
It ended up working out. Grogan moved to the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in 2013 where she continued her training.
During that time Grogan said, “I just had two goals that first year. The first was to just see if I could get faster in anything, because I had hit a plateau the year before. The second was to be the best teammate I could. That next year was one of the best of my swimming career.”
Next came try number three. Rio.
Photo Courtesy:
Grogan said about Rio Trials, “I’d had a bad race in my best event and had totally counted myself out. But the reality was, I had met the criteria to be considered for the team and I had made it. It didn’t feel real until we were on the shuttle to the airport, or maybe Opening Ceremonies.”
After attempting to make the United States Paralympic Team in 2008, 2012, and 2016, her hard work and dedication paid off when she made the Paralympic Team in 2016 at the age of 28.
Grogan added, “There have definitely been times that I’ve felt out of place being so much older. But at the same time, it hasn’t really mattered that much because this was a goal I had, and being older allowed me to take complete ownership of it.”
Being a first time Paralympian at the age of 28 was not an easy task. Grogan had a college degree and at that, a master’s degree in kinesiology. She put her career on the line to chase her dreams of becoming a Paralympic swimmer. In the end, Grogan said that the experience of swimming in Rio was surreal and one that can never be found anywhere else.
“It was very surreal being there. Looking back, I was really excited to be there,” Grogan said. “It was crazy to swim in an arena in front of thousands of people. Sometimes I still can’t believe it really happened.”
Now a coach at Nitro Swim and working with two different adaptive sports clubs, Grogan hopes to educate the swimming community on the opportunities that para swimmers can have on an able-bodied team.
Photo Courtesy: Lindsay Grogan
Grogan says, “I hope to help make swimming more accessible for kids with disabilities. It makes a world of difference just to have coaches who have the attitude of ‘okay, so this is going to take some creativity, but let’s do it.’ I think a lot of coaches might not know what to do when they get a para swimmer. Just treat them like any other kid, and adapt things you need to adapt—adapting is part of your job anyway.”
Grogan tried and failed multiple times when pursuing a career as a Paralympic swimmer. With hard work, dedication, and the perseverance that she showed throughout her career, Grogan ultimately accomplished her dream of becoming a Paralympian.
You go Lindsay girl from your number one fan.Cathy Rile
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Lindsay, you have grown into a beautiful and mature young woman! I know your family is so proud of you. I can’t wait to give you a huge hug one day! Much love, Becky Gorman
Inspiring! Lindsay’s story proves hard work, perseverance, determination, patience, and skills will result in success!
It was a great pleasure knowing you & watching your development into a Paralympian swimmer. I always admired your talents & your determination. I’m delighted to see this article. I’m also delighted to see that you’re sharing your knowledge & skills with others. Well done. Congratulations.
With love,
Lynda (Greenville, SC)
Way to go Lindsay!!!! We love you!!!
Our family was fortunate to get to know Lindsay through Paralympic Swimming, and she was always an amazing combination of tough competitor/supportive teammate/loyal friend, all rolled into one. We miss cheering her on at Para meets, but have no doubt that she is an incredible coach and role model for the athletes that she works with now!
Lindsay, we are very proud of you and have always admired your determination. God bless you.