Hannah Aspden
Hannah Aspden
QUICK STATS
- Birthdate: June 11, 2000
- Hometown: Raleigh, NC
- Club Team: Triangle Aquatic Center
- College: Queens University of Charlotte
- Coaches: Bruce Marchionda and John Payne
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- 2020 Paralympic Games Gold Medalist
- World Para-Swimming Championship Medalist
- Pan Pacific Para-Swimming Championship Medalist
- Pan American Para-Swimming Games Medalist
EXPERIENCE
An important piece of an athlete’s journey is finding what works for them. Hannah Aspden has certainly done that, earning gold medals in the 100-meter backstroke and 4×100 meter medley relay at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games! Hannah loves being part of the process of helping young athletes figure out what works for them to reach their individual goals. She says, “An athlete’s path may look a little different than their peers (their stroke may be different, or they may approach an element of swimming differently), and that’s okay. Differences should be celebrated and challenges can’t be compared.”
Hannah’s other accomplishments in the water include winning a silver medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the 2022 Paralympic World Championship, and a bronze medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. In addition to her success on the international stage, Hannah holds American Paralympic short course records in the 100-yard backstroke and the 100-yard freestyle, earned during the 2019-20 season collegiate season swimming for Queens University of Charlotte.
Of her experience working with Fitter & Faster clinic participants, Hannah says, “I have a blast in the clinics. The younger kids have so much energy and are there to have fun. The older kids take the clinics very seriously and want feedback; they are so dedicated and focused, and are excited to learn something that will make them faster.” Hannah strives to give individualized coaching to each and every participant, as the clinics are an opportunity to get feedback swimmers may not get in a large team setting.
Hannah also recognizes the importance of engaging with parents, saying “Parents bring their children to the clinics and sit on the side, hoping their kids remember what they learn in the clinic. At the beginning and end of each session I like to sit down with the kids and their parents, review what we worked on, and allow the athletes and their parents to ask questions. Parents are a very important piece of an athlete’s journey.”
Acknowledging the hard work and dedication that swimming requires, Hannah says that “sticking with swimming for the long haul requires a strong “why”. My “why” involved channeling my competitive energy.” Along the way, Hannah has had the opportunity to do something she loves, travel the world, and form lifelong friendships while competing at an elite level.
