Olivia Chambers
UNI 150: People you should know
UNI swimmer turned Paralympic champion
Panther greats have participated in the highest level of athletics competitions all around the world. Olivia Chambers is a shining example of that. The Paralympic gold medalist overcame tremendous obstacles to achieve greatness in swimming – all while pursuing a double major as an Honors student.
Chambers is a Little Rock, Arkansas native who became visually impaired at age 16 for reasons still unknown to medical professionals. Yet, her love for the water has always been undeniable. After experiencing physical challenges, she adjusted her technique, such as by learning to count each stroke to know exactly when to turn at the wall.
Chambers joined UNI as a student-athlete with Women’s Swimming and Diving. As a sophomore, she became UNI's first-ever para-swimming national champion when she achieved two gold medal finishes and one bronze at the U.S. Paralympic National Championships in 2022. Her performance gained her a spot in the 2023 U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Team roster.
She went on to compete in the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships in England, the largest para swimming event of the year. She later officially punched her ticket to the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
Before arriving in France, her story gained national attention when rapper and reality TV star Flavor Flav posted on social media about her family’s fundraiser to cover travel expenses.
At the games, Chambers captured gold in the women’s S13 400-meter freestyle and two silver medals in the women’s SM13 200-meter individual medley and the women’s SB13 100-meter breaststroke. Not only did this make her UNI’s first-ever Paralympic medalist, but she also became the first Panther to earn an Olympic or Paralympic medal since Bill Smith’s gold medal performance in wrestling in the 1952 Olympics.
Chambers went on to serve as the 2024 UNI Homecoming parade grand marshal, and was awarded the Missouri Valley Conference's Most Courageous Award, which is presented annually to former or current student-athletes, coaches or university administrators who demonstrate unusual courage in the face of personal illness, adversity or tragedy and whose behavior reflects honor on the institution or the conference.
She graduated in fall 2025 with degrees in biology and psychology. Despite her busy schedule as a student-athlete, Chambers always excelled in academics, even being part of the University Honors program.
After graduating, Chambers continues to train with the UNI swimming team, her focus now on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. Her guide dog, Mahi, loves the Glen F. Henry Pool and can often be found hanging around the deck during swim practice.
“While my life might look a little different, it’s better than I could have ever imagined,” said Chambers. “Coming to UNI was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I would not be where I am without everyone here.”
While my life might look a little different, it’s better than I could have ever imagined. Coming to UNI was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I would not be where I am without everyone here.
Celebrate 150 years of the University of Northern Iowa by nominating individuals who have made a significant impact on our campus, community and beyond.
