Elena Krawzow, born in Kazakhstan, now lives and trains in Berlin, Germany. At the age of 7, Elena began to lose her eyesight and can only see about 3%. She took up swimming because it became to clear to her after only a few experiences that swimming could open many new paths for her, that were otherwise unavailable. Now a multiple World and European Champion and World Record holder, the most important thing she has learned is that “you can achieve everything, if you work hard for it and believe in yourself.”

Elena also works as a physiotherapist and plans to continue down that path after her swimming career comes to an end. She was drawn to the profession through her own visual impairment and the ability it gave her to help others.

At the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, Elena earned a gold medal in the women’s 100m breaststroke, with a time of 1:13.46.