Nationality United States Weight 175 lb (79 kg) | Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) Sport Swimming | |
Born December 19, 1992 (age 24) ( 1992-12-19 ) Canyon, Texas, U.S. Strokes Breaststroke, freestyle, individual medley Profiles | ||
Tharon Drake is an American swimmer. He is the current U.S. record-holder in S11 class in 50m freestyle, 50m and 100m backstroke, 50m and 100m breaststroke, 200m individual medley (short course); 50m and 100m breaststroke (short course); 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke (long course). Drake won silver in the 100m breast at the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championship. Drake lost his eyesight following complications from a routine vaccination.
Contents
- Tharon drake after lowering his s11 100 breaststroke american record by over three seconds
- Swimming career
- References
At the 2016 Paralympic Games, Drake won a silver medal in the 400m Freestyle S11. Drake's time in the finals was 4:40.96, behind USA teammate Brad Snyder. Drake also won a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke SB11 with a time of 1:11.50.
Tharon drake after lowering his s11 100 breaststroke american record by over three seconds
Swimming career
Tharon began swimming at the age of 9. He swam on the Hobbs High School and Caprock Swim Team, both in Hobbs, New Mexico. In November 2007, Drake suffered from amnesia that was onset from routine vaccines. It was determined that an existing genetic condition compromised his immune system and his body couldn't fight off the viruses from the vaccines. Through help of medication, he was able to overcome the amnesia. In February 2008, Drake noticed some changes in his vision, and by June 2008, he was totally blind, without any perception of light.
After graduating high school in 2011, Tharon continued his path in swimming and qualified as an alternate for the 2012 London Paralympics.