Evan Wilkerson (born September 28, 2006) is an American Paralympic swimmer. He will represent the United States at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.

Evan Wilkerson
Personal information
NationalityAmerican
Born (2006-09-28) September 28, 2006 (age 18)[1]
Wake Forest, North Carolina, U.S.
Sport
SportParalympic swimming
DisabilityLeber congenital amaurosis
Disability classS12, SB12
Medal record
Men's paralympic swimming
Representing the  United States
Parapan American Games
Silver medal – second place 2023 Santiago 100 m backstroke S12
Bronze medal – third place 2023 Santiago 100 m breaststroke SB12

Early life

edit

Wilkerson was born to Traci and Gene Wilkerson and has a sister, Olivia. Wilkerson and his sister are both para swimmers with leber congenital amaurosis.[2][3]

He attended North Carolina Virtual Public School.[4]

Career

edit

On September 25, 2023, Wilkerson was named to team USA's roster to compete at the 2023 Parapan American Games.[5] He made his international debut at the event and won a silver medal in the 100 meter backstroke S12 and a bronze medal in the 100 meter breaststroke SB12 events.[6][7]

On June 30, 2024, Wilkerson was named to team USA's roster to compete at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.[8]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Evan Wilkerson". Paris 2024 Paralympics. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  2. ^ Rivard, Raymond T. (November 16, 2023). "Family, Friends And Faith Have Driven Evan Wilkerson In Swimming Career". usparaswimming.org. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  3. ^ "Just keep swimming: Being almost blind can't stop these siblings". wral.com. August 8, 2018. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  4. ^ Rounceville, Zach (December 6, 2023). "NC Virtual Academy student medals at 2023 Parapan American Games". Carolina Journal. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  5. ^ Gowdy, Kristen (September 25, 2023). "U.S. Paralympics Swimming Names 33 Athletes to 2023 Parapan American Games Roster". usparaswimming.com. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  6. ^ Monville, Kathryn (December 12, 2023). "Competing in Parapan-American Games: Evan Wilkerson's Experience". heritageherald.com. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  7. ^ Chakrabarty, Prasun (November 27, 2023). ""Made Me Cry": Despite Suffering From Blindness, 17 YO Who Made America Proud Receives a Warm Welcome After Parapan American Games". essentiallysports.com. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  8. ^ Gowdy, Kristen (June 30, 2024). "U.S. Paralympics Swimming Roster Announced for 2024 Paralympic Games". usparaswimming.org. Retrieved July 5, 2024.