Austin athlete to watch: Swimmer Lizzi Smith hopes to bring spotlight to Paralympics

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Lizzi Smith, a three-time Paralympian medalist, is an athlete to watch in Paris. The 28-year-old Austinite first has to qualify at the U.S. Swimming Trials in Minneapolis, Minnesota this week.

Qualifying shouldn't be a challenge for Smith — she is used to the world stage. The swimmer made her Paralympics debut in the 2016 Rio games and earned silver as part of the 4×100-meter freestyle relay as well as bronze in the 4×100 medley relay. However, it was the 100-meter butterfly event that slipped away by a fingernail ...