Gaylin Swibold

Retired Senior Chief Yeoman Gaylin Swibold served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 23 years. She enlisted in 2003 because she wanted to serve her country, travel to new places, and build a better life. She first learned about Navy Wounded Warrior and the adaptive sports program when she saw how it transformed a friend’s healing journey. She did not anticipate that she would face her own challenges someday, too. She joined the program to reclaim her body and better her physical and mental health. Swibold found swimming to be her favorite event. Being in the water transported her to a different place and the low impact on her body helps her to relax and just go. Like her friend, Swibold found that adaptive sports has changed her perspective, too, as she he sees the possibilities of what she can still do.