Two-time Paralympic swimmer Jamal Hill (@swimuphill) grew up swimming in Inglewood, California in the shadows of airplanes flying in and out of LAX International Airport.
He had Olympic dreams that was realized at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics where he won a bronze medal in the 50m freestyle. He suffers from muscular neuropathy, a degenerative disorder called Charcot-Marie-Tooth, and competes in the S9 category for swimmers who have joint restrictions in one leg or double below-the-knee amputations.
LA 28 Paralympics
Now with LA28 on the near horizon, his Paralympic dreams continue as he is currently training to become one of the few people who literally grew up in the same area where the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games will be held.
Prior to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Hill appeared in a giant billboard near LAX International Airport – in the same neighborhood where he had his early swim lessons at the Westchester Family YMCA [see above].
Ultimately, his swimming career took him from the confines of 25-yard pool to international competitions around the world. He hopes his athletic career goes full circle where he returns to his neighborhood to win a gold medal in the LA28 50-meter freestyle in the S9 para swimming category.
Swim Up Hill Foundation
In addition to his own swimming career, Hill has established and continues to grow his Swim Up Hill Foundation. “Our mission is to teach 1 million people annually how to swim through the Swim Up Hill method, an innovative, accessible, and rapid swim-education program that empowers individuals, prevents drowning and promotes equity in marginalized communities,” explains the personable 29-year-old with 259K Instagram followers of his style and adventures.
Swim Up Hill Foundation’s partners include Speedo, USA Swimming, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Organizing Committee, Dove, airbnb, The Crown Act, and the YMCA. He authored a book, “A Bowl, A Bench, And A Bucket: Learn To Swim In 5 Hours” where he laid out his plan to teach 1 million people to swim.
Personal Observations of Jamal Hill
I have always been enthused and enthralled by Hill. He laughs and smiles as he explores his full potential. His joy in whatever and wherever his path takes him s infectious. His focus on facing and overcoming obstacles is inspirational, for 100% sure. He deserves every accolade, recognition, respect, and award he receives – and earns.
Sports Saved My Life
Hill recently appeared in a Peacock documentary series called Adaptive in the episodes called How Sports Saved My Life during the first season, first released on July 25th 2025. The series profiles the personal journeys of Paralympic athletes and highlights the transformative impact of sports on their lives, demonstrating the power of sport and community.
Public Speaking with Sports Saved My Life and TEDx Inglewood
Hill described his career, dreams, and disease in detail in the podcast Sports Saved My Life with Clayton French, CEO and co-founder of Angel City Sports., that can be heard here.
He gave a rousing presentation at TEDx Inglewood…where the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the LA28 Olympics and Paralympics will be held.
For more information on the Swim Up Hill Foundation, visit www.swimuphill.org.
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