Ruby Stevens
Personal information
Born (2002-09-07) September 7, 2002 (age 21)
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Sport
Disability classS6
Coached byVicky Keith
Achievements and titles
World finals2023 Parapan American Games: S6 100-metre backstroke; Gold
Medal record
Para-swimming
Representing  Canada
Parapan American Games
Gold medal – first place 2023 S6 100-metre backstroke

Ruby Stevens is a Canadian para-swimmer born with complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia and generalized dystonia. She won gold in the women’s S6 100-metre backstroke at the 2023 Parapan American Games setting a new Parapan American Games record in the event.

Early life and education

Stevens is diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as having seizures due to epilepsy. She began synchronized swimming at age 2.[1]

Career

Stevens competed in synchronized swimming for the Variety Village Synchro Club[2] and represented Canada in synchronized swimming at an international competition in Taiwan in 2015.[1]

Stevens won the B Final in the women’s multi class 100 breaststroke at the Para Swimming World Series in Guadalajara, Mexico, her first international competition.[3] She competed at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile and won gold in the women’s S6 100-metre backstroke. She won Canada's first gold at the Games[4] and set a Games record at 1:30.41.[5][6]

References

  1. ^ a b Jerome, Amanda (2015-06-16). "Toronto-area girl overcomes special needs challenges to become synchronized swimming champion". Yahoo News. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  2. ^ "Calgary Aquabelles lead in solo and team at 2013 Espoir Nationals". PanAm Aquatics. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  3. ^ "Stevens sets the tone with Parapan record on Day 1 in Santiago – Swimming Canada". Swimming Canada. 2023-11-19. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  4. ^ Heroux, Devin (2023-11-18). "Ruby Stevens wins Canada's 1st gold at Parapan Am Games, Stephanie Chan its 1st medal". CBC.ca. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  5. ^ "Ruby Stevens wins Canada's first gold medal at 2023 Parapan Am Games | Canadian Paralympic Committee". Paralympics Canada. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  6. ^ "GOLD MEDAL: Scarborough's Ruby Stevens sets Parapan Am record in 100m backstroke S6 victory". CBC.ca. 2023.