It’s Solid Gold for RIM’s Paralympic Swimmer

Paralympic swimmer, Cheryl Angelelli, competed in the CanAm Championships this past weekend at the University of Minnesota. Over 130 athletes with disabilities competed in the event. Angelelli finished first in the 200 meter freestyle, 100 meter freestyle, 50 meter backstroke and 50 meter freestyle events in the S4 classification.

Her time of 52.5 seconds in the 50 meter freestyle was a lifetime best time and moved Angelelli from being ranked 4^th in the world to 2^nd in the world.

Angelelli suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of a diving accident in 1983, however that didn't stop her from getting back in the water. A quadriplegic, Angelelli is Michigan's most decorated athlete with a disability. She is a 4-time Paralympic medalist and holds 15 American Records and 3 World Records.

Angelelli was a patient at Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) following her injury and today she serves as RIM’s Director of Marketing and Public Releations. She often speaks to newly injured patients at RIM and is an inspiration to those recovering from similar injuries.

To watch Angelelli’s 50 meter freestyle race, click here