T.C. Roberson High School junior Emma Roberts has been named to the U.S. Paralympic Swimming National Team, marking a major milestone in the athletic and academic journey of the 16-year-old from Asheville.
Roberts earned her spot after a breakout performance at the U.S. Paralympic Swimming National Championships in Orlando, where she finished second in the 100-meter freestyle S10 final. It was her first time competing at nationals.
Born with fibular hemimelia, Roberts spent much of her childhood undergoing surgeries to improve stability in her right leg and foot. She began swimming for fun and therapy at a young age, inspired by her mother, a former collegiate swimmer at Davidson College. After her final surgery two years ago, Roberts began to train more consistently – and started seeing major gains in the pool.
Her coach, Kirk Hampleman of the YMCA Piranhas, has known her for years and witnessed her transformation firsthand.
“I’ve watched her progress through her surgeries, and seeing her grow from someone who was swimming for fun and rehabilitation to someone who realized she had a gift – and committed to it – has been a really cool experience,” said Hampleman. “Having something bigger than herself to strive for has made a big difference in her training. I don’t think she’s scratched the surface of how good she can be. She has done so much in such a short period of time.”
Roberts specializes in sprint events, including freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly. She will represent Team USA at the Para Swimming World Series in Indianapolis this spring.
“[Representing my country] means so much to me,” said Roberts. “When I was little and first getting into swimming, it seemed really out of reach. I wasn’t getting faster and I had a lot of imposter syndrome. Being named to the team means the world – it feels validating that I am a good swimmer. Competing alongside incredible Paralympic athletes is so cool.”
Roberts is also a standout student, currently top of her class with plans to pursue a career in STEM. She juggles athletics and academics with discipline, ending practice at 6 p.m. and focusing on schoolwork until 9 or 10.
Hampleman says Roberts’ mindset is a big part of her success.
“Emma is very good at pushing herself to failure. She gives it her all,” he said. “Her attitude and her happy nature lend themselves to staying in a positive mindset. Emma loves to compete, but she’s a happy competitor.”
To other athletes, Roberts offers simple but meaningful advice.
“You have to love it to be able to excel in it and really find joy,” she said. “It’s hard and tiring and won’t always be rewarding. But if you love what you’re doing, the hard times – when you’re not making the best times or getting faster – it’s all going to be worth it.”
Looking ahead, Roberts hopes to earn her international classification, compete at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore, and one day, represent the United States at the Paralympic Games.