“Swimming with Butterflies” by Karl Stelter

Documentary

Nov 11

After missing bronze by 1/100th of a second at Rio, para swimmer Lizzi Smith shares her intimate journey to redefine her identity, and in turn, empower the next generation of female athletes.

Since she was a girl, Austin-based para swimmer Lizzi had used the pool as a way to experience the world - a way to win, to lose, to be accepted. Swimming wasn’t just what Lizzi did - it was who she was.

So when she missed bronze by 1/100th of a second at the 2016 Paralympic Games - Lizzi wasn’t just defeated…she was lost.

Unsure if she would even return to swimming, Lizzi shares an intimate, soulful story of how she went from “Lizzi the girl with one hand” to “Lizzi the Swimmer who falls short in big moments,” to finally…Lizzi.

And that’s all she needs to be.

FROM THE DIRECTOR

“Every four years the world comes together to cheer for the Olympic and Paralympic games. Rooting for something special to happen. For someone to defy the odds, to give us a glimpse of the human spirit. To collectively dream again. However it’s not the games themselves that are exciting - it’s who’s in them...and why.

I love Lizzi’s story because it embodies both grit, humanity, and vision. She’s not waiting until she wins gold to give back - she’s making a difference now, coaching young kids with and without disabilities. She’s showing them what’s possible. She’s taking control of conversations around disability. And while swimming is what she does, it does not define her.

I hope this film gives audiences not only someone to cheer for at Paralympic games, but to recognize the parallels between her story and their own. To find confidence in their own journey and voice, and to be inspired to reach for their best selves.”

-Karl Stelter