Alexandra's Story: Olympic Dreams Realized
This past June, YMCA of Greenwich member Alexandra Frumin headed to Minnesota to compete alongside 4,000 athletes from all 50 states in the 2026 Special Olympics. Through her hard work, dedication, and consistency, Frumin took home a silver medal in both the 50m backstroke and the 4x500m Freestyle Relay, as well as a bronze medal in the 50m butterfly.
Even considering her amazing performance in her events, Furmin’s favorite part of the Special Olympics was not winning medals; it was, as she said, “Having fun, [and] meeting new people.” Frumin does not just swim because she is good at it; she said, “I love swimming because it makes me feel happy and excited and feel confident.”
This passion for swimming was obvious in the months of preparation that led up to the Special Olympics. To prepare, Alexandra trained with Marlins Swim Team Assistant Coach, Megan Kelly, who praised Frumin for her efforts and attitude: “Alexandra is amazing. She always brings a smile to the pool deck. “ She continued, “Her commitment and dedication to the sport [are] fantastic. I think the biggest thing for her was just her consistency…every week she would be here willing and ready.”
As well as being a talented swimmer, Frumin spends a lot of her time dancing as well. She said, “I love dancing wherever I go.” At the Y, Frumin regularly participates in the Y's Zumba group exercise classes. Her positive attitude and energetic personality are just some of the reasons her instructors here at the Y love teaching her.
Alexandra brings the same joyful, enthusiastic attitude to everything she does. When speaking about her Y instructors, she said, “I actually love them. Every time I do Zumba classes, they love my energy.” It is that energy, alongside her consistency, determination, and drive, that makes Alexandra such an important and inspiring part of the community here at the YMCA of Greenwich.
As we celebrate Disability Pride Month this July, Alexandra’s story is a powerful reminder of what the Y movement is all about: creating a place where everyone has the opportunity to discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and belong. Her accomplishments in the pool are certainly worth celebrating, but it is her joy, perseverance, and unwavering enthusiasm that leave the greatest impression on everyone around her. We are incredibly proud to be a part of Alexandra’s journey and look forward to cheering her on in all that she accomplishes next – both in and out of the water.