Dana Vollmer – Swimming, USA

Dana Vollmer is one of the world’s most accomplished swimmers, having won 32 medals at international meets (including the 2004, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics). Of these, a whopping 19 are gold. Vollmer’s most significant accomplishment, however, has been overcoming a heart defect to pursue her dreams…

Dana Vollmer was diagnosed with long QT syndrome at the age of 15 after she’d already entered the scene as an elite swimmer. Knowing that her heart’s electrical malfunction could lead to cardiac arrest at any moment, Vollmer decided to push on with her career. Now she swims with safety precautions in place, proving that even people with potentially life-threatening conditions can still achieve their dreams.