Santiago, Chile—Salt Lake City native and para swimmer, Chloe Cederholm, has brought pride to her community by clinching the silver medal in the Women’s 100m Backstroke and the bronze medal in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games as the youngest member of Team USA.

Cederholm is a seventh grader at Olympus Junior High who turned thirteen two weeks ago. She has been swimming since she was four years old. Although her love for the water wasn’t immediate, the diagnosis of a rare condition at the age of five propelled her to use the water as a place of healing, later becoming one of her great loves.

Representing the spirit of Utah in an international arena, Cederholm’s exceptional performance at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games is evidence of her dedication, talent, and big heart. Her achievement is an inspiration to the community and emphasizes the support and encouragement that propel individuals to excel on the world stage.

During the 200m Individual Medley medal ceremony, a heartwarming moment unfolded as 24-year-old Taylor Winnett from Hershey, Pennsylvania, who secured gold in the SM10 event in Santiago, warmly embraced 13-year-old Cederholm. This gesture highlighted the camaraderie and mentorship within Team USA, exemplifying the unity and encouragement shared among athletes from different corners of the country.

Chloe Cederholm extends her heartfelt gratitude to her community, including her swim team, Olympus Aquatics, coaches Tom Thorum and Zofi Peacock, national team member and fellow OA teammate Audrey Kim, and the many friends and family in Salt Lake City who have been a source of unwavering support.