Sophia Gibb is tiny but mighty

Sophia Gibb was both with a condition that affects 1 in 26,000. Her accomplishments as an athlete make her 1 of 1. 

Sophia Gibb originally shared her story with Yoocan, a global collaborative community where people with disabilities share experiences and knowledge — so that no one feels alone. Yoocan and Why We Play are a natural match and overlap in the most important thing for our community INSPIRATION. FanSided is excited to partner with Yoocan and share some of their stories on our website — exciting and fantastic sports stories from people with disabilities. Come check out more of our joint material, and keep following for collaborations!

Hi, my name is Sophie Gibb. When I was born I was diagnosed with a form of dwarfism known as Achondroplasia. I was 1 in 26,000. I am now a 2016 Paralympic Silver medalist in the sb6 100m breaststroke. My sport is swimming, and my specialty stroke is breaststroke.

I came from a town of 500 people, 20 kids in my graduating class; I also graduated a year early, to move to the Olympic Training Center where I currently reside. My hometown is Fairplay, Colorado (yes, the show South Park was based on my town). I have a horse named Reese’s, and I compete with her.

I stand fully grown at four feet tall, an only child to two average-stature loving parents. I was a member of the 2015 para Pan/Am team where I secured three silver and one bronze. I have been on the national team a little over a year now, and have set my sights on the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. I am currently taking online college courses with DeVry. In my free time at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. I work as a USOC tour guide. I also enjoy painting.

Why We Play features stories about the power of sports to bring us together, overcome obstacles, make positive change and reach everyone. Read more here.