Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Marks, a decorated U.S. Paralympian and Army combat medic, is the most successful athlete in the World Class Athlete Program’s history. She began swimming in 2011 at Brooks Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

At the 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Marks broke the world record in the women’s 100-meter backstroke with a time of 1:19.57. Overcome with emotion during the medal ceremony, she looked up at the American flag with tears in her eyes.

Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Marks, a five-time Paralympic Medalist and multiple World Record holder, prepares for the 2022 Para Swimming Nationals, Charlotte, North Carolina, December 16-18, 2022. Marks, an active-duty combat medic, is assigned to the World Class Athlete Program at Fort Carson, Colorado. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Hunnisett)

Marks, who had her left leg amputated in 2017 and has visual impairments, remained unaware of her record-breaking achievement until after the race. Reflecting on the event, she expressed excitement, especially as another competitor, Jiang Yuyan of China, also broke the previous world record.

Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Marks will compete at the U.S. Paralympic Swimming Team Trials in Minneapolis June 27-29. Marks, a combat medic and member of the Army World Class Athlete Program, is a favorite to make her third U.S. Paralympic Swimming Team.

In Tokyo, Marks earned a gold, silver, and bronze medal, solidifying her status as a top Paralympian. She remains a favorite for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

Marks, a 16-year Army veteran, has also competed in the Invictus Games and recently set two American records at the Citi Para Swimming World Series. A spokesperson for the Army and female soldiers, she continues to inspire and lead both on and off the field.

Para-swimmer Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Marks clutches her gold medal during the medal ceremony of the women’s 100-meter backstroke, S6, Marks broke the world record with a time of 1:19.57 on Sept. 4, 2021. Marks medaled in three events at the 2020 Summer Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Marks is a member of the Army’s World Class Athlete Program.

Outside of competition, Marks supports the Fisher House Foundation and volunteers at Fort Carson’s Soldier Recovery Unit. Her empathy and dedication stem from her father’s example, a Vietnam veteran who taught her the importance of kindness and perseverance.

From an introverted youth at Arizona Project ChalleNGe to a role model and leader, Marks’ journey has been remarkable. She continues to swim competitively and mentor other adaptive athletes, advocating for Paralympic athletes and soldiers alike.

Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Marks a U.S. Paralympian and Army combat medic is the most decorated athlete in the World Class Athlete Program's history. She began swimming in 2011 at Brooks Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Marks’ resilience, highlighted by her recovery from life-threatening illness and multiple injuries, exemplifies her commitment to excellence. Despite ongoing struggles with traumatic brain injuries, she finds solace and control in the pool, where she trains diligently at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.